What were the economic motivations behind the Spanish conquests in the Americas?

History The Spanish Conquistadors Questions



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What were the economic motivations behind the Spanish conquests in the Americas?

The economic motivations behind the Spanish conquests in the Americas were primarily driven by the desire for wealth and resources. The Spanish sought to acquire gold, silver, and other valuable commodities, establish trade routes, and exploit the natural resources of the newly discovered lands. Additionally, they aimed to establish colonies and extract labor from the indigenous populations to support their growing empire and increase their economic power.