With the increasing interest of the Spanish empire to pursue more territories and further their cause of spreading Christianity to the other regions, they had initiated the strategy for exploration and conquest of the New World. It is through this that the Spanish empire paved the way not only in providing changes in the New World but also creating different situations that will forever change the history of the people in this region.
One relevant purpose of Spanish expansion in the America’s has been the treasures and riches associated with the place and its inhabitants. By actively tapping into these resources, Spaniards can continue to sustain and intensify its programs of expanding the empire and the costs associated with it. Upon the discovery of different territories, the Spaniards did indeed find what they were looking for. “Nowhere on the face of the earth had such an enormous wealth of gold had been discovered, for although the island of Hispaniola had filled Spain to overflowing with gold, and gold of the highest quality” (de las Casas, 1552, p. 31). Though this may seem to be apparent, it must be noted that the Spanish approach in tapping these resources revolved around violence, murder, and treachery.
Another significant reason for Spanish conquest revolves around the intention to spread the Christian faith among natives in the region. This is considered as one of the core reasons for conquest and helps these communities embrace the faith whether they like it or not. “The gulf that yawns between theory and practice has meant that, in fact, the local people have been presented with an ultimatum: either they adopt the Christian religion and swear allegiance to the Crown of Castille, or they will find themselves faced with military action in which no quarter will be given and they will be cut down or taken prisoner” (de las Casas, 1552, p. 31). Such form of coercive action in turn has resulted to numerous massacres and elimination of civilizations and culture all for the spread of the Catholic faith.
To conclude, the objective to expand and explore the Americas by the Spaniards has been influenced by its intention to exploit its natural resources and promote Christianity in the region. Though this may be the overall goal, the method of how it was facilitated and implemented remains to be shrouded with aggression, violence and murder which in turn resulted to the death of many and destruction of civilizations and cultures within the region.
Reference
de la Casas, B. (1552) A short account of the destruction of the Indies. trans. Nigel Griffin (US; Penguin
Classics) 1992. Retrieved April 22, 2009
