Question

What were two motives that encouraged Spain to establish colonies in the Americas?

Answer 1

To bring back gold to Spain.
              and
To spread the message of Christianity.

Answer 2

Answer:

to spread the message of Christianity

to bring back gold to Spain

Explanation:

Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492 for the first time discovering this continent for the Europeans. The Spanish crown financed the settling of colonies in these lands basically for two reasons:

-First, to exploit natural resources, mainly precious metals like gold and silver. During this time the European powers followed an economic doctrine called physiocracy, according to which the wealth of nations depended on the number of precious metals they accumulated. For this reason, Spain was looking for mines to get these resources.

-Second, to spread Christianity. Spain at that moment was one of the most important Catholic nations. While Protestantism was spreading among Germany, England, and Northern Europe, the Spanish crown strongly defended the Catholic doctrine and took its message to the Americas to extend the power of the Church to other continents.