This answer does not speak to the explorers, but to the priests and other missionary's then and now. The people were simply fulfilling the command of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 20:18-20, called the "Great Commission, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
If you are a Christian this commission is yours to fulfill.
Unambiguous command of the founder of their religion (Matthew 28:18)
"go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This is no less a command than to feed the poor, clothe the naked, comfort those in prison, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Missionaries sought to convert people to Christianity because they fully believed that this was the only way to live. Christians wanted to see everyone go to Heaven.
Europeans wanted to spread Christianity because they felt like it was there duty.
they were christians
However, the French, Spanish, and Dutch sought profit through trade and exploitation of New World resources, and they knew that the native people would be important to their success. Europeans also wanted to convert Native Americans to Christianity.
The Spanish wanted to convert the heathen Americans to the one true faith, Christianity. In order to convert these people, priests would be necessary.
Trying to convert them into Christianity
The main goals of the Spanish conquistadors were lust for gold and silver, and desire to win royal titles and favors by expanding Spain's empire hope of winning God's favor by bringing Christianity to pagans.
To convert the native Americans to Christianity
to convert native Americans to Christianity.
christianity
to convert the Native Americans to Christianity
The conquistadors brought priests to the Americas to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity, thereby expanding the influence of the Catholic Church. Additionally, having a priest present could provide moral and spiritual guidance to the conquistadors themselves on their missions.
to convert the Native Americans to Christianity
Spain built missions in the borderlands of New Spain to convert Native Americans to Christianity. These missions served as religious communities where Native Americans were taught Christianity, agriculture, and other skills to assimilate them into Spanish colonial society.
A mission is a church that has a religious settlement. It is used to convert Native-Americans to Christianity .
Jacques Marquette's motivation was to convert the Native Americans to Christianity.