What are the 3 motivations of Spanish exploration?

What are the 3 motivations of Spanish exploration?

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

What was Spain’s main goal in the Americas?

Spain was considered to have as three main goals behind its expeditions to North America: the expansion of its empire, the attainment of wealth, and the spread of Christianity.

Who ruled Spain during the Age of Exploration?

The Crown of Castile (Spain) sponsored the transatlantic voyages of Christopher Columbus to the Americas between 1492 and 1504, and the first circumnavigation of the globe between 1519 and 1522 by the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan (completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano).

What did the Spanish discover in the New World?

Spanish Discovery and Colonization. The Spanish explorers encountered three major civilizations in the New World: the Incas in present-day Peru and the Mayans and Aztecs in Mexico and Central America. The conquistadors were truly amazed by what they found — immense wealth in gold and silver, complex cities rivaling or surpassing those in Europe,…

Why was the Iberian Peninsula important to the age of exploration?

During the 15th century, the Iberian Peninsula at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea became the focal point of European efforts to reach the riches of Asia by a sea route, rather than depend on the dangerous, costly and time-consuming ancient trade routes through the Middle East. Tiny Portugal emerged as the original leader of this effort.

How did the Spanish government encourage the conquistadors to continue their exploration?

The Spanish government encouraged the conquistador to use his experience to continue exploring the New World. Some historians suggest that this request was fueled by rumors that a fountain of youth existed on an island somewhere north of Spain’s current settlements in the Caribbean.

How did Spain benefit from the Spanish Golden Age?

The Spanish Golden Age By 1600, Spain had reaped substantial monetary benefits from New World resources. Gold and silver began to connect European nations through trade, and the Spanish money supply ballooned, which signified the beginning of the economic system known as capitalism.