Economic:
* Gold and Silver: Spain was in dire need of gold and silver to pay for its increasingly expensive wars and to maintain its power in Europe. The discovery of vast reserves in the Americas fueled their ambitions.
* Trade: Spain sought to control trade routes to Asia and establish trading posts along the way. They also aimed to secure control of valuable resources like spices, silk, and other goods.
* Mercantilism: Spain followed the economic policy of mercantilism, which emphasized accumulating wealth through trade and the acquisition of colonies.
Religious:
* Spread of Christianity: Spain was a devoutly Catholic nation, and the desire to spread Christianity to new lands was a powerful motivation for exploration.
* Conversion of Native Peoples: Missionaries played a key role in Spanish colonization, aiming to convert indigenous populations to Catholicism.
Political:
* National Prestige: Expanding overseas colonies was seen as a way to increase Spanish national prestige and power on the world stage.
* Rivalry with Portugal: Spain was engaged in intense rivalry with Portugal, another maritime power, for control of overseas territories.
* Expansion of the Spanish Empire: The Spanish Crown saw overseas expansion as a way to consolidate its power and build a vast empire.
Other Factors:
* Technological Advancements: Advances in shipbuilding, navigation, and cartography made long-distance sea voyages possible.
* Individual Ambition: Many explorers and conquistadors were motivated by individual ambition and the desire for wealth, fame, and land.
In summary, the Spanish desire for wealth, religious zeal, political ambitions, and the opportunity for individual advancement all combined to drive their overseas expansion, leading to the establishment of a vast and influential empire in the Americas.