History The Spanish Conquistadors Questions Medium
The Spanish conquistadors were primarily motivated by three main factors: wealth, power, and spreading Christianity.
Firstly, the conquistadors sought to acquire wealth through the exploration and conquest of new territories. They believed that these lands held vast reserves of gold, silver, and other valuable resources. The promise of riches and the opportunity to increase their social status and wealth motivated many conquistadors to embark on dangerous expeditions.
Secondly, the conquistadors were driven by a thirst for power and glory. They sought to expand the Spanish Empire and establish dominance over new territories. Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro aimed to carve out their own territories and establish themselves as rulers in the newly conquered lands. The desire for power and recognition fueled their ambition to conquer new territories.
Lastly, the Spanish conquistadors were deeply influenced by religious zeal and the desire to spread Christianity. They saw themselves as soldiers of the Catholic Church and believed it was their duty to convert indigenous populations to Christianity. The conquistadors often used religion as a justification for their conquests, claiming that they were saving souls and bringing salvation to the native populations.
In summary, the Spanish conquistadors were motivated by the pursuit of wealth, power, and the spread of Christianity. These factors drove them to explore and conquer new territories, leading to the establishment of the Spanish Empire in the Americas.