Exploration of motivations behind conquest from "summary" of The Conquest of Mexico by William Hickling Prescott
Prescott delves into the intricate web of motivations that drove the Spanish conquest of Mexico, peeling back the layers of ambition, greed, religious zeal, and the quest for glory that spurred the conquistadors onward. The desire for riches, both material and spiritual, played a significant role in fueling their thirst for conquest. The lure of gold, silver, and other treasures spurred them on, promising untold wealth and power to those who dared to seize it. However, Prescott also examines the more complex motivations behind the conquest, including the religious fervor that drove many conquistadors to seek the conversion of indigenous peoples to Christianity. The belief in the righteousness of their cause, and the conviction that they were bringing salvation to the "heathen" natives, provided a powerful impetus for their actions. This religious zeal intertwined with their thirst for conquest, creating a potent mix of motivations t...
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