Final answer:
Spain financed Columbus's voyage west with the expectation of gaining riches from Asia. This led to the discovery of the Americas, marking the start of Spain's Golden Age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nation that financed Columbus's voyage to prove his theory that by sailing west he could reach the Orient in the east was Spain. This was a significant event in history, as it led to the discovery of the Americas. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed to sponsor Columbus's expedition after he promised to bring back precious metals and spices from Asia. The agreement marked the start of Spain's Golden Age as a leading world power.
Learn more about Columbus's Voyage