Christopher Columbus was officially commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile to lead an expedition across the Atlantic. This commission occurred in the vibrant court of Spain, reflecting the monarchs' ambitions to expand their influence and gain access to direct trade routes to Asia, which were dominated by Italian and Ottoman dealers. Columbus's proposition involved sailing westward to find a quicker route to the lucrative spice islands of Asia, an idea influenced by his studies of maps and geographical data of the time.

As part of the commission, Columbus was named Admiral of the Ocean Sea, emphasizing his newfound authority over future explorations and discoveries. He was also granted the titles of viceroy and governor of any lands he might find, underpinning the depth of royal support for his expedition. These titles indicated substantial political and economic incentives; Columbus's potential discoveries could lead to vast riches for the Spanish crown, as they sought to bolster Spain's status in the European geopolitical landscape.

Columbus's voyage would not only lead him to the islands of the Caribbean but also set the stage for the European colonization of the Americas. The commission marked the start of a series of encounters between Europe and the New World, altering the course of both regions and the wider world in profound ways. It would take until September of the same year for Columbus to set sail, leading him ultimately to lands that had been unknown to Europeans, where he branded himself as a discoverer amidst a new age of exploration.