Motivations for colonization: Spain's colonization goals were to extract gold and silver from the Americas, to stimulate the Spanish economy and make Spain a more powerful country. Spain also aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

In the 16th century, the Spanish Empire conquered and incorporated the Aztec and Inca empires, retaining indigenous elites loyal to the Spanish crown and converts to Christianity as intermediaries between their communities and royal government.

In addition to their strategic alliances with different indigenous groups, the Spanish had several advantages. First, their weaponry and armor were much more advanced. They also had horses, imposing animals the natives had never seen before.

In the European race to colonial dominance, the Treaty of Tordesillas legitimized Spain's holdings in the New World, indicating Spanish primacy over Portugal. The successes of Columbus ushered in an era of Spanish conquest that led numerous other European explorers to attempt similar colonization projects.

Spain established its empire in the Americas by sending conquistadors to conquer existing empires. Why did Spain send conquistadors to the Americas? Spain sent conquistadors to the Americas to expand its territory and gain wealth through the exploration and conquest of new lands.

Motivations for colonization: Spain's colonization goals were to extract gold and silver from the Americas, to stimulate the Spanish economy and make Spain a more powerful country.

AM History QuestionAnswer What three reasons explain Spain's success in building an empire in the Americas? 1. The allies with the native americans 2. The weapons they had 3. The diseases they brought with them What was the Northwest Passage A water route through North America to Asia23 more rows