When Christopher Columbus discovered the islands off the coast of North and South America, he was actually trying to find a direct sea route from Europe to Asia. He wanted to reach the lucrative markets of the Indies (modern-day East Asia) by sailing westward. Columbus believed that by traveling west across the Atlantic Ocean, he could reach Asia quicker than by the traditional land route, which was long and perilous. However, he unintentionally stumbled upon the Americas instead and believed he had reached the Indies.
Christopher Columbus was attempting to find a direct sea route from Europe to Asia when he discovered the islands off the coast of North and South America. His goal was to establish a trade route with the Indies (modern-day Southeast Asia) for valuable spices and resources such as silk, gold, and other goods. Columbus believed that by sailing west, he could reach Asia faster than the traditional eastward land routes. However, instead of reaching Asia, he arrived in the Caribbean islands, believing he had reached the outskirts of the East Indies.
