Pedro Álvares Cabral, tasked with leading a fleet to India, set sail from Lisbon in 1500. Following Vasco da Gama's successful route around Africa, Cabral sought to capitalize on the burgeoning spice trade. The fleet, comprising several ships, navigated the Atlantic Ocean but encountered adverse weather, which caused them to drift off course. On April 22, they made landfall on a coast believed to be part of Asia but was soon identified as a new territory. This land, later named Brazil, was inhabited by various indigenous groups, which Cabral and his men interacted with, conducting trade and establishing cordial relations initially. The formal claim of Brazil for Portugal resulted from Cabral's actions. He named the area Ilha de Vera Cruz, later recognizing its potential for sugar cane cultivation. Cabral spent about ten days in the region, gathering information and resources before continuing his expedition to India. His report upon return highlighted Brazil’s natural resources, sparking Portuguese colonial interest that would lead to significant settlements and the eventual widespread exploitation of the land and its people. Cabral's arrival marked the beginning of the Portuguese empire's expansion in South America.