The goals of Spain historically vary, but generally include expanding their empire and influence through colonization, promoting Catholicism and defending its territories from threats.
More comprehensive response question
Spain has had various goals throughout its history, but one of the main objectives has been to expand its empire and influence through colonization. This started with the exploration and conquest of the Americas by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century. Spain established a vast empire in the New World, becoming the dominant power in Europe during the Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Another significant aim of Spain was to promote Catholicism and spread its influence through religious conversion. The Spanish Inquisition was established in 1478 to suppress heresy and enforce religious orthodoxy, while Jesuit missionaries were sent to the New World to evangelize and convert indigenous populations. This was exemplified by the saying, “The sun never sets on the Catholic Church.”
Besides expanding their reach and spreading their beliefs, Spain also sought to defend its territories from external threats. This was particularly relevant during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and World War II (1939-1945). General Francisco Franco rose to power in Spain with a nationalist and authoritarian government in 1939, with the support of fascist leaders such as Italy’s Benito Mussolini and Germany’s Adolf Hitler.
According to John Huxtable Elliott, a celebrated historian of early modern Spain and the Anglo-Spanish relationship, “The Spanish imperial system was one of the most impressive political structures the world has ever known. It rested on the interlocking foundations of the crown, the Catholic religion, and the administrative and legal systems” (via The Guardian).
Some interesting facts regarding Spain’s goals include:
- The Spanish Empire at its height covered an area of over 13 million square kilometers, surpassing any other European power in history.
- Spain was the first country in the world to have a global empire, with territories as far east as the Philippines and as far west as California.
- The Spanish Inquisition resulted in the deaths of thousands of people accused of heresy, including Jews, Muslims, and Protestants.
- The Spanish Civil War pitted the Republican government against Franco’s Nationalist rebels, with the latter winning and establishing an authoritarian dictatorship until 1975.
- Despite being neutral during World War II, Spain provided support to Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, including military aid and trade agreements.
A table summarizing Spain’s goals could be:
| Goal | Description |
|---|---|
| Expansion | Conquest of the Americas, establishment of a vast empire in Europe and the New World |
| Religious promotion | Catholic evangelization through the Spanish Inquisition and Jesuit missionaries |
| Defense | Protection of Spanish territories from external threats, such as the Spanish Civil War and World War II |
See a video about the subject.
This video shows highlights from the final match of the UEFA Nations League between Croatia and Spain, which ended in a penalty shootout. Despite an intense pace with both teams creating opportunities, neither was able to convert until Croatia emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with a 5-3 win, securing their first major international trophy. Carvajal of Spain scored the deciding penalty, winning the trophy for his team.
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Three goals of the Spanish colonization in the Americas were the spread of Catholicism, the increase of wealth, and the expansion of the Spanish empire. Spain was considered to have as three main goals behind its expeditions to North America: the expansion of its empire, the attainment of wealth, and the spread of Christianity.
The Spanish conquistadors had a few goals that motivated their conquest of the Americas. These goals are often referred to as the "three Gs": gold, God, and glory. Gold is considered one of the major motivators of Spanish conquistadors.
Also, individuals are curious
What were Spain’s goals?
The response is: Balance and peace in Europe became the two goals pursued by Spain throughout the 18th century.
What were the goals of the Spanish conquest?
Answer to this: Their goal was to claim land and resources for their investors and conquer natives of other lands for treasure and glory. They also were vital in the spread and enforcement of religion.
What was the goal of New Spain?
Response to this: Within this territory, the viceroys of New Spain aided in converting the Native population to Christianity, developed an array of educational institutions, and oversaw an economy based almost entirely on mining and ranching.
What was one of the goals of the Spanish conquistadors?
As a response to this: Conquistador is the name given to any of the leaders in the Spanish conquest of America, especially of Mexico and Peru, in the 16th century. These conquistadores sailed to the Americas with certain goals in mind: to conquer the native peoples, to spread Christianity, and to look for gold and other treasure.
What were the three goals of the Spanish colonization?
As a response to this: Three goals of the Spanish colonization in the Americas were the spread of Catholicism, the increase of wealth, and the expansion of the Spanish empire. Spain was considered to have as three main goals behind its expeditions to North America: the expansion of its empire, the attainment of wealth, and the spread of Christianity.
Why did the Spanish colonize Spain?
As a response to this: While they all shared a desire for wealth and power, their motivations for colonization differed somewhat, and thus the pattern and success of their colonies varied significantly. Spain was driven by three main motivations. Columbus, in his voyage, sought fame and fortune, as did his Spanish sponsors.
How did Spain gain power in the New World?
Answer: The Spanish gained an early foothold in the colonies, quickly becoming the most powerful European power in the New World. In the European race to colonial dominance, the Treaty of Tordesillas legitimized Spain’s holdings in the New World, indicating Spanish primacy over Portugal.
Why did Spain build a fort?
The response is: Spain was driven by three main motivations. Columbus, in his voyage, sought fame and fortune, as did his Spanish sponsors. To this end, Spain built a fort in 1565 at what is now St. Augustine, Florida; today, this is the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States.
What were the three goals of the Spanish colonization?
Three goals of the Spanish colonization in the Americas were the spread of Catholicism, the increase of wealth, and the expansion of the Spanish empire. Spain was considered to have as three main goals behind its expeditions to North America: the expansion of its empire, the attainment of wealth, and the spread of Christianity.
Why did the Spanish colonize Spain?
While they all shared a desire for wealth and power, their motivations for colonization differed somewhat, and thus the pattern and success of their colonies varied significantly. Spain was driven by three main motivations. Columbus, in his voyage, sought fame and fortune, as did his Spanish sponsors.
How did Spain gain power in the New World?
As a response to this: The Spanish gained an early foothold in the colonies, quickly becoming the most powerful European power in the New World. In the European race to colonial dominance, the Treaty of Tordesillas legitimized Spain’s holdings in the New World, indicating Spanish primacy over Portugal.
Why did Spain build a fort?
Answer to this: Spain was driven by three main motivations. Columbus, in his voyage, sought fame and fortune, as did his Spanish sponsors. To this end, Spain built a fort in 1565 at what is now St. Augustine, Florida; today, this is the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States.