why did spain create colonies in latin america?

Spain created colonies in Latin America for a multitude of reasons, which can often be summarized by the three G's: Gold, God, and Glory.

1. Gold (Wealth): One of the primary motivations for Spanish colonization was the pursuit of wealth. The Spanish Crown was interested in any form of wealth they could gain from the New World, which include gold, silver, and other precious resources. Upon the discovery of such riches, notably after hearing tales of wealthy empires like the Aztec and Inca, the Spanish established colonies to extract these resources and ship them back to Spain.

2. God (Religion): The Spanish were staunchly Catholic and felt a strong obligation to spread Christianity to the indigenous peoples they encountered. After the Reconquista, which was the reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Islamic Moors, there was a drive to continue Catholic expansion. Conversion of native populations was a priority, and missions were established as part of the colonial structure to religiously indoctrinate the local population.

3. Glory (Empire Building): The creation of colonies satisfied a desire for expanding the Spanish Empire's power and influence. The more territory a nation controlled during this era, especially after a rival Portugal began setting up its own colonies, the more powerful and prestigious it became in the eyes of the world. Colonization was an assertion of national pride, strength, and global status.

By establishing colonies throughout Latin America, Spain was able to achieve these objectives to various degrees. These colonies also facilitated the cultural and genetic mixing between Europeans, indigenous peoples, and Africans (brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade), leading to the diverse cultural landscapes found in Latin America today.