Vasco da Gama’s primary goal was to establish a direct sea route from Europe to India. He sought to find a way to access the lucrative spice trade, which was dominated by land routes controlled by Middle Eastern and North African powers.
During the late 15th century, spices such as pepper, cinnamon, and cloves were in high demand in Europe, but they were extremely costly due to the long and perilous overland journeys required to bring them from Asia. By discovering a sea route, da Gama aimed to enhance Portugal’s wealth and influence, securing a competitive advantage over other European nations.
His successful voyage around the southern tip of Africa to reach India not only met his goals but also opened the door for further exploration and trade, ultimately establishing Portugal as a dominant maritime power in the Age of Discovery.