The motivating factor was not God because when Hernan Cortes invaded the Aztecs he had no intention of converting them to Catholicism. Rather he
killed them. As well the Spanish
could've went anywhere to spread
their religion, not only to the
America's.
I also don't think the main reason was glory because they also could have went anywhere to earn glory. Also I think glory could've been more of a bonus that came with the wealth of having lots of gold. With wealth came a strong empire and with a strong empire came glory.
I believe that the main reason was gold because the Spanish were very obsessed with gold. After Columbus reported gold in the America's the Spanish had to have it. Gold was also why Hernan Cortes journeyed to America and conquered the Aztecs. The Spanish needed gold because they were running out and after Columbus reported some in the New World they knew that was where they could get it which is why I think that gold was the main reason for Spanish exploration to the New World.
Cortes conquering the Aztecs
GOD
God
- As well when Cortes invaded the Aztecs in America, he killed them. If his main reason for going was for God, he wouldn’t have killed them but instead converted them to Christianity.
- However, many Muslims and Jews during the Spanish Inquisition were killed or kicked out so many jobs were lost.
- One of the reasons the Catholic monarchs changed their minds to support Columbus' voyage was because they knew there would be millions of people to convert to the Catholic religion.
- In 1493 the Papal Decree gave Spain the authority and duty of converting any and all natives in the New World to Christianity. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella wanted to make everyone Catholic because they believed if you were not Catholic you were not going to heaven. They thought they were saving souls. Many explorers thought it was God’s will to find these new found areas and countries.
Reasons for Spanish Exploration
- Spanish explorers wanted to be known for their journeys. For example, after Columbus returned from his journeys everyone knew his name.
- The Spanish also wanted to be known as a powerful empire by other empires even though they were already quite powerful at the time.
God, Gold or Glory?
By: Josephine Herbut 8B
- Since there was little land to have in Europe, the discovery of large amounts of land in the New World became a big motivator for people to look for personal glory there.
- The ancient Roman leader Cicero wrote "The noblest spirit is most strongly attracted by the love of glory." This inspired the Spanish to make a name for themselves and to earn respect in their society,
- Europe had been at war, off and on, for centuries. This, along with the Reconquista of Spain from the Muslims, had created a culture that glorified the military and its leaders. Men who won battles or performed other great deeds were often rewarded by titles of nobility, land, money, and laborers.
GOLD
Gold
- •The search for gold became an obsession with the Spanish. England, France and other European Nations were in search of riches too, but they tended to focus more on getting rich by way of trade.
- Hernan Cortes was the man who conquered the Aztecs. His main reason of going to the America's was for gold.
- Columbus and the Spanish were extremely interested in wealth. That's what inspired his voyage.
- Columbus reported to the Spanish crown that he saw much potential for riches in the new territory. He told the Spanish that he believed there would be mines rich with gold and other metals.
- The Christians had been fighting the Muslims for years and by the time Granada surrendered Spain's precious metals were almost gone. The King and Queen thought Columbus' mission might bring back gold to support the economy.
- They needed gold to support their economy and troops.
- •The nobles of Spain wanted a bigger fortune and jobs.
- Social Worldviews textbook
- Google Images
- http://age-of-exploration-9.wikispaces.com/God,+Gold,+Glory
- http://project-history.blogspot.ca/2005/10/spanish-motivations-in-new-world-gold.html
- http://prezi.com/vwpzuftuazp0/reasons-for-spanish-exploration/
- http://prezi.com/utizwvhokyn7/godgold-glory/
- http://prezi.com/ceoazmmkacro/godglory-or-gold/
My Choice!
Was God, Gold or Glory most important in Spanish exploration to the America's?
In my opinion GOLD was most important to Spanish and was the main reason that they explored the New World!