History The Spanish Conquistadors Questions Medium
The motivations behind the Spanish conquistadors' search for gold and riches were primarily driven by economic and personal ambitions.
Firstly, the Spanish conquistadors were motivated by the desire for wealth and economic gain. Gold and other precious metals were highly valued during that time period, and the conquistadors believed that acquiring vast amounts of these resources would bring them immense wealth and power. They saw the New World as a land of untapped riches and sought to exploit its resources for their own benefit and that of the Spanish Crown.
Secondly, the conquistadors were driven by personal ambitions and the pursuit of glory. Many of them were adventurers and soldiers seeking fame, honor, and social advancement. They saw the conquest of new territories and the accumulation of wealth as a means to elevate their social status and gain recognition. The conquistadors were often motivated by a desire to leave a lasting legacy and be remembered as heroes and conquerors.
Additionally, religious motivations played a significant role in the conquistadors' search for gold and riches. Spain was a devoutly Catholic nation, and the conquistadors saw themselves as agents of the Catholic Church. They believed that by acquiring wealth and converting indigenous populations to Christianity, they were fulfilling their religious duty and spreading the influence of Catholicism.
In summary, the motivations behind the Spanish conquistadors' search for gold and riches were driven by economic aspirations, personal ambitions, and religious fervor. They sought wealth and power, fame and glory, and believed that their actions were justified by their religious beliefs.