The primary goal of Christopher Columbus's voyages in the late 15th century was to find a westward route to Asia, specifically to access the lucrative spice trade. He sought to establish direct trade relations with India and the East Indies without routing through traditional land paths dominated by Middle Eastern powers. Columbus made four voyages under the auspices of the Spanish crown, ultimately landing in the Americas in 1492 instead of Asia. His expeditions opened the Americas to European exploration and colonization, profoundly impacting global trade, culture, and indigenous populations.