Christopher Columbus set sail across the Atlantic Ocean with the goal of finding a faster route to Asia. Trade with Asia was desirable, as many goods were available there that could not be found in Europe. Silk, rice, ivory, porcelain, and tea were among some of the popular goods imported to Europe from China and other Asian countries. The main transportation routes from Europe to Asia were by land, such as the Silk Road. This mode of travel proved to be difficult, however. Land routes went through many different countries, and conflicts sometimes prevented merchants from passing. The idea of finding a route over the ocean became a popular one.
In 1492, Columbus set sail with his crew on three ships. They eventually arrived in the Bahamas, but they thought they had reached Asia. Next they went to Cuba, which Columbus thought was China. It was not until later that explorers realized how far away Asia truly was when traveling west.
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