What was the primary motivation behind the Spanish Conquistadors' exploration in the Americas?

The primary motivation behind the Spanish Conquistadors' exploration in the Americas was the search for gold and riches. During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Spain was eager to expand its wealth and influence following the Reconquista, which had recently concluded. The stories of vast wealth from the New World, particularly after the discovery of gold and silver in regions such as Mexico and Peru, fueled the ambitions of the conquistadors.

As they ventured into the Americas, figures like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro sought not only to conquer indigenous populations but also to acquire the resources that could elevate Spain's status in Europe. The allure of wealth was a powerful driving force behind their expeditions, leading to the establishment of lucrative colonies that extracted natural resources and riches, significantly impacting the economy of Spain and shaping colonial powers' relationships with indigenous peoples.

While scientific research and agricultural colonization were aspects of the broader colonial endeavor, they were not the primary motivations that initially drove the conquistadors to embark on their journeys. The pursuit of immediate wealth through the acquisition of gold and silver was the most pressing and influential factor behind their explorations.