TX PACT Social Studies: Grades 4–8 (718) Practice Test

One of the primary motivations for Columbus's voyage was to find a quicker route to India. Columbus sought to establish a more efficient trade route to Asia, specifically to access the lucrative spice trade, which was primarily centered in India and the East Indies at the time. The existing overland routes were long and dangerous, so Columbus proposed sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of reaching these rich markets faster. This ambition to discover a new passage underscores the age of exploration's focus on trade and economic gain. Columbus's journey ultimately led to the unexpected discovery of the Americas, but his initial goal was very much about finding a direct route to India for commerce.