To expand their economic base, civilizations conquer other in the Middle Ages. This can include acquiring vital resources, expanding markets for products and services, and accessing new sources of wealth. For instance, the Mongols sought conquest to acquire resources like water and agricultural lands, while European countries went after acquiring lands and resources for wealth and colonization.
Political Power
Expanding political power is another key motivation for civilizations conquering others. This can include increasing their influence and prestige, establishing and strengthening alliances, or gaining control over strategic locations. For instance, the Romans conquered vast territories to expand Roman influence and rule, and the Inca Empire acquired new territories to assert their political power and control.
Ideological Differences
Conquering other civilizations to advance or secure their own ideological or religious beliefs is another reason. For instance, the Crusades were motivated by the desire to liberate the Holy Land from Muslim control, and the Spanish Reconquista was driven by a passion to expel Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula.
Territorial Expansion
Acquiring new territories to increase their land size is another reason civilizations undertake conquests. This can be driven by a desire for more living space, to increase agricultural and resource output, or to secure borders. The Vikings, for instance, sought conquest to find new lands to raid, settle and trade.
Spread of Culture and Influence
Some civilizations conquer to spread their culture, religion, and language. For example, the Islamic expansion sought to spread the Islamic faith and cultural practices, while the Spanish Conquistadors sought to impose Catholic beliefs on the indigenous communities they conquered.