Here's a breakdown of the key motivations:
* Gold and Silver: The Spanish were driven by a relentless quest for gold and silver, which they found in abundance in areas like New Mexico and Arizona. They established mines and forced indigenous populations to labor in these operations.
* Agriculture: They sought to establish agricultural settlements to grow crops like grapes, olives, and wheat. These efforts were less successful than their mining ventures, but still played a role in their economic goals.
* Expansion of the Spanish Empire: These settlements served as a stepping stone for Spain to expand its influence and control over North America. This involved asserting their dominance over indigenous populations and competing with other European powers.
* Conversion to Christianity: The Spanish missions, particularly in California, aimed to convert native populations to Christianity. This religious goal was intertwined with the economic and political aspirations of Spain.
While the Spanish did engage in some trading activities and established small communities, the core motivation for their settlements in what is now the US was resource extraction and empire building. This ultimately led to significant cultural and social changes in the region, including forced labor, displacement of indigenous populations, and the introduction of new diseases.