what was the purpose of columbus voyage

Christopher Columbuss voyage had multiple purposes, including exploration, trade, conquest, and exploitation. Columbus wanted to find a new route to India, China, Japan, and the Spice Islands, which were highly valued for their spices and other goods. He was sponsored by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, who agreed to finance his voyage in return for the gold, spices, and riches that he might find. Columbuss voyage was also intended to spread Christianity and obtain more members for the Catholic Church, which sponsored voyages like his. Columbus made four voyages in total, each time becoming more greedy for gold and treating the natives more savagely. Although Columbus never actually set foot on the mainland of North America, his "discovery" of the Americas initiated the trans-Atlantic trade and colonization, which instigated a related biological exchange and had long-lasting effects and consequences.