What were the views of the Europeans to justify conquest?

Europeans justified conquest through a combination of religious, economic, and cultural beliefs. They often viewed themselves as superior, believing it was their duty to spread Christianity and "civilize" indigenous populations, whom they regarded as primitive or barbaric. The pursuit of wealth, resources, and new trade routes further motivated their actions, often framed as a divine right or manifest destiny. This mindset allowed them to rationalize the exploitation and subjugation of native peoples and lands.