- Loss of wealth and global power: Spain could have missed out on the wealth and global power that came from the resources of the New World, including gold, silver, and other precious metals, as well as the ability to establish colonies and trade with the regions.
- Loss of religious influence: Spain was intensely religious, and saw the New World as an opportunity to spread Roman Catholicism and Catholicism. By not sending expedition, Spain would miss out on the opportunity to convert the indigenous populations and expand the religious power and influence of the church.
- Loss of political influence: Spain could have missed out on the opportunity to gain political influence and control in the New World, which could have had long-term implications for its international standing and relations with other European powers.
- Loss of territorial claims: By not sending expedition, Spain would have risked other European countries establishing their claims, thus losing out on the potential to control a significant portion of the Americas.
- Loss of cultural and scientific knowledge: Spain could have missed out the opportunity to learn about the indigenous cultures, civilizations, flora and fauna of the New World, which could have enriched its cultural and scientific development and understanding of the world.
