The main reason Spain wanted to colonize the Americas was to

The most important reasons behind the colonization of America by the Spanish were gold, silver and spreading of Christianity. Many Spanish people went in search of gold and spices. Stories were abundant regarding the huge amount of gold that could be found in America. This led to several Spanish explorations and colonization of several parts of America. Some of the explorations and colonization was to gain glory and spread the religion of Christianity. Many people felt that with glory would come the power and make Spain a great country.