Factors in Spanish Colonization

During the early years of European exploration and colonization of the Americas, the Spanish were among the first to establish a presence in the New World. This Spanish colonization involved the establishment of settlements, the conversion of Indigenous peoples to Christianity, and the exploitation of resources. Understanding the motivations and key figures involved in Spanish colonization is crucial to grasping the broader context of early American history.

Which of the following was a significant factor in the Spanish colonization of the Americas?