- Gold and Silver: The Spanish were driven by a desire for wealth, and they saw the Americas as a source of precious metals. They established mines in many areas, forcing indigenous people to work under dangerous conditions to extract gold and silver.
- Land: The Spanish sought land to claim for their empire. They established settlements in many parts of the Americas, including Mexico, Peru, and Central America. They often displaced or enslaved indigenous people in order to gain control of land.
- Souls: The Spanish were also motivated by a desire to spread Catholicism. They sought to convert indigenous people to Christianity, often through force or coercion. They established missions and churches in many areas of the Americas.
In addition to these goods, the Spanish also sought new trade routes, resources, and power. Their pursuit of these goods had a profound impact on the indigenous people of the Americas and shaped the course of history in the region.