There they thought they could find a ton of gold. They did, and they also found Pre-Columbian cultures to conquer and convert.
gold.
Gold was known to exist in the Americas.
Spain
Smallpox, and other unfamiliar illnesses. Disease was spread by most if not all of the explorers to the New World.
Most likely, since most of the explorers in that area were Spanish, it would be Catholicism.
Portugal was limited by the Treaty of Tordesillas (1494) which gave Spain the right to colonize most of the Americas. The exception was Brazil, the easternmost part of South America. Portugal, however, also conducted trade, conquest, and piracy in India by sailing around Africa.
The Spanish established colonies in the Americas long before many other European countries because they were the early pioneers (or, pathfinders) in the Age of Exploration. With the inclination and income pertinent for supporting explorers, they sent out teams ready to colonize (and conquer) well before most of their European rivals.
Disease
Disease
Disease
Most Spanish explorers practiced Catholicism and were motivated by a desire to spread Christianity to the New World. They also engaged in trade, seeking new trade routes and resources for Spain. Many explorers were driven by a thirst for glory, fame, and wealth.
pizarro.