1. Gold and other resources: The Spanish were driven by a desire for wealth, particularly gold and silver. They believed the Americas held vast riches, and they were eager to exploit them. This quest for resources led to the establishment of mines, plantations, and trading posts throughout the Americas.
2. Spread of Christianity: The Spanish also had a strong desire to convert the indigenous population to Christianity. They saw it as their duty to spread the faith and bring civilization to the "New World." This led to the establishment of missions and the conversion of many indigenous people.
It's important to note that these two motivations were often intertwined. The desire for wealth motivated the Spanish to explore and conquer new lands, and they used their power to spread Christianity. This process had a profound impact on the indigenous populations of the Americas, often leading to displacement, exploitation, and cultural assimilation.