Which European nation primarily sought wealth and religious conversion in the Americas?

The choice of Spain as the correct answer is based on its historical motivations during the Age of Exploration and the subsequent colonization of the Americas. Spain was predominantly driven by the desire for gold, silver, and other riches, which were abundant in the New World. Alongside the pursuit of wealth, Spain was also heavily invested in religious conversion, primarily seeking to spread Christianity among Indigenous populations. This was especially evident through the efforts of missionaries and religious orders, such as the Jesuits and Franciscans, who established missions to convert Native Americans.

In contrast, while Great Britain was interested in trade and expansion, its primary motivations included colonization for agricultural development and settlement rather than primarily converting Indigenous peoples. The Netherlands, too, engaged in trade and sought economic gains, but their focus on religious conversion was not as pronounced as that of Spain. France, while also interested in wealth, particularly from the fur trade, had a different approach to Indigenous relationships, often forming alliances rather than focusing primarily on conversion. Therefore, Spain’s dual focus on wealth acquisition and religious conversion uniquely characterizes its goals in the Americas, affirming its position as the primary European nation with these dual aims during the era of early colonization.