Why did the Spanish want to convert American people to Christianity?

The Spanish, during their exploration and colonization of the Americas, were motivated to convert the indigenous peoples to Christianity for several reasons:

1. Religious Zeal: Many Spaniards were devout Christians, specifically Catholics, during the time of exploration and colonization, known as the Age of Discovery. They believed it was their duty to spread the teachings of Christianity to people who were not yet exposed to it, as part of a religious mission known as evangelization. Conversion of native populations was seen as a way to save their souls and offer them salvation as per Catholic doctrine.

2. Political Control: The conversion of native peoples to Christianity also facilitated easier governance and control over conquered territories. Shared religious beliefs helped integrate indigenous societies into the colonial administration and reduced cultural resistance, making it easier for the Spanish to maintain a stable colony.

3. Cultural Assimilation: Christianity was often used as a tool for cultural assimilation. By converting the indigenous populations to Christianity, the Spanish sought to supplant native customs, religions, and social structures with European ones, which they believed were superior and more civilized.

4. Papal Mandate: The authority of the Spanish Crown to colonize new lands came with the condition that they try to convert inhabitants to Christianity. Documents such as the Papal Bull "Inter Caetera," issued by Pope Alexander VI, gave Spain the right to conquer territories in the New World as long as they spread the Christian faith.

5. Legitimizing Conquest: By framing their conquests as a religious mission, Spanish conquistadors often believed that they were not only expanding their empire but also serving a divine purpose. This religious justification also helped legitimize their often brutal conquests in the eyes of their contemporaries back in Europe.