What was Christopher Columbus looking for when he discovered America?

Answer 1

The 15th century was an age of exploration and capitalism. Europeans wanted more trade with China, to recover from a long series of wars. Columbus was one of many who offered to find a quick sea route there for Spain.

While the knowledge that the Earth was spherical was widespread at the time and had been since the Ancient Greeks, he developed a plan based on many erroneous beliefs:

• the size of the Earth (he thought it was only half as big)
• the absence of any land west of Europe before Asia (ignoring more accurate Portuguese maps showing the North American continent))
• the use of incorrect assumptions as to where Asia was

With all this against him he still made it across the Atlantic landing first in the Barbados and then in Cuba.

Answer 2

A new traderoute to India. When he came upon a set of isles in the Caribbean, he named them the 'West Indies' for this reason.

Answer 3

Columbus was looking for Asia when he found America :)

Answer 4

Christopher Columbus was looking for a shortcut to India for spices.

Answer 5

India

Answer 6

Gold