Why did Spain want to gain empire in the Americas?

Spain sought to gain an empire in the Americas primarily for economic reasons, driven by the desire for wealth through the extraction of precious metals like gold and silver. Additionally, Spain aimed to spread Christianity, particularly Catholicism, to indigenous populations, viewing it as a moral duty. The expansion also served to enhance Spain's political power and prestige in Europe, as competing nations were engaged in similar pursuits of colonization. Overall, the combination of economic, religious, and political motivations fueled Spain's imperial ambitions in the New World.