the goal of columbus sailing west was to

The goal of Columbus sailing west was to find a new sea route to Asia, specifically to the rich lands of Cathay (China), India, and the spice islands, by sailing westward across the Atlantic Ocean. He aimed to access the lucrative gold, spices, and other valuable goods of Asia, as well as to establish Christian alliances and advance Christianity by converting indigenous peoples. This westward route was intended to bypass the traditional overland routes and Portuguese routes around Africa. Columbus's voyage also had personal and political motivations, such as gaining wealth, noble titles, and increasing the status of Spain among European monarchies.