Why did the Spanish colonize the West?

Why did the Spanish colonize the West?

The crown created civil and religious structures to administer the vast territory. The main motivations for colonial expansion were profit through resource extraction and the spread of Catholicism through indigenous conversions.

What were two reasons the Spanish wanted to colonize America?

Spain colonized America because they were searching for gold and silver. They did find a lot of gold and silver when they conquered the Aztec and Inca Empires. France colonized North America because of the great amount of furs they found there.

Why did the Spanish want to conquer the Americas?

The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Christian faith through indigenous conversions. The Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon was an early invader of the Americas, traveling to the New World on Columbus’ second voyage. He became the first governor of Puerto Rico in 1509.

What were the three motivations behind Spanish colonization?

Historians generally recognize three motives for European exploration and colonization in the New World: God, gold, and glory.

What were the main goals of Spanish conquistadors?

The Spanish Conquistadors had many goals, but the two primary reasons for conquering were to steal wealth for their country and to civilize the natives with religion—in particular, Catholicism.

Why did the Spanish want to colonize the New World?

While they all shared a desire for wealth and power, their motivations for colonization differed somewhat, and thus the pattern and success of their colonies varied significantly. Spain was driven by three main motivations. Columbus, in his voyage, sought fame and fortune, as did his Spanish sponsors.

When did the Spanish first colonize the southwest?

The first trek through the Southwest was accidental. In 1528 Alvar N úñ ez Cabeza de Vaca (literally “ head of a cow ”) was part of a colonizing expedition to the Gulf Coast of Florida. The expedition foundered, and he and three of the others washed up on the Texas coast and lived with various Indian groups, all the while traveling west and south.

Why did Spain want to colonize Southeast Asia?

If he succeeds, Spanish ships will stop coming to Southeast Asia with American silver, and the largest economy in the world, China’s economy, will be cut off from a vital source of currency.

Why was Spain worried about Indians in West Texas?

While Spain worried about Indian hostility in West Texas, it had to fear other Europeans along East Texas ’ s Gulf Coast. In 1682 Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle, had come down the Mississippi River claiming it for France. The Mississippi divided Spain ’ s claims into La Florida in the East and New Mexico in the Southwest.