Using the map, which of the following summarizes Christopher Columbus’s and Vasco da Gama’s voyages?

Possible Answers:
Both Spain and Portugal were very small countries and wanted to expand their size through Indian Ocean trade; however, Columbus wanted to acquire Portugal and da Gama wanted to claim Spain. Both Spain and Portugal were very small countries and wanted to expand their size through Indian Ocean trade; however, Columbus wanted to acquire Portugal and da Gama wanted to claim Spain. Both wanted to claim the glory of gaining direct access to the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to expand Spanish territories and da Gama wanted direct access to Asian goods. Both wanted to claim the glory of gaining direct access to the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to expand Spanish territories and da Gama wanted direct access to Asian goods. Both wanted to spread Christianity and acquire fertile land to expand their territories through the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to acquire Asia and da Gama wanted to acquire India. Both wanted to spread Christianity and acquire fertile land to expand their territories through the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to acquire Asia and da Gama wanted to acquire India. Both wanted direct access to Asian luxury goods through the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to acquire spices in the Indies and da Gama wanted to acquire tea, spices, and silk.

1 answer

The best summarization of Christopher Columbus’s and Vasco da Gama’s voyages from the provided options is:

"Both wanted to claim the glory of gaining direct access to the Indian Ocean trade route; however, Columbus wanted to expand Spanish territories and da Gama wanted direct access to Asian goods."

This option accurately reflects their motivations and goals in their respective voyages. Columbus aimed to expand Spanish territory while searching for new routes to Asia, and da Gama sought to establish a direct trade route to India for Asian goods.