Question

Which of the following motivations drove the Spanish conquistadors who followed Columbus to the Americas in the early 16th century?
• Their desire to acquire fame by naming the new lands after themselves
The impulse to spread Christianity, even if it limited their opportunities for wealth and power Their thirst for battle and riches as well as land in the conquered territory and titles of nobility A wish to create safe havens for Protestant sects that had been persecuted by the Catholic Church in Spain

Answer 1

The primary motivations that drove the Spanish conquistadors who followed Columbus to the Americas in the early 16th century included:

1. **Their thirst for battle and riches as well as land in the conquered territory and titles of nobility**: Many conquistadors were motivated by the prospect of acquiring wealth, land, and social status through conquest and exploration. The allure of gold and other riches was a significant driving force behind their expeditions.

2. **The impulse to spread Christianity**: While wealth and power were major motivators, there was also a genuine desire among many conquistadors to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. This often went hand-in-hand with their quest for wealth, as conversion was viewed as a means of justifying conquest.

The first option, about acquiring fame by naming lands after themselves, was not a primary motivation compared to the others. The fourth option, about creating safe havens for Protestant sects, is also inaccurate, as Spain was a staunchly Catholic country at the time, and there was little tolerance for Protestant movements.

In summary, the most accurate motivations were the quest for wealth, land, power, and the spread of Christianity.