Goal was to reach Indonesia by going west instead of east for easier access to goods Spain needed.   He was supported by Spain  who was eager to show power by funding voyages of discovery.   Spain funded 3 ships.Columbus reached land after 10 weeks.  (he thought it was China).   He captured several Am. Indians which he brought pack and told stories of gold.  He made 3 trips finally concluding that he had found a new continent. 

Relevance:  This caused Spain and other countries to develop more resources and energy  for voyages and lead to the conquest of the Aztecs by Cortez.