Economic Motives:
1. Trade and Resources: The primary economic motive was to access and exploit the resources and wealth of the newly discovered territories. Spices, gold, silver, and other valuable commodities were sought after.
2. Profit and Wealth: Merchants, traders, and individuals saw opportunities for profit and wealth through trade with distant lands and the establishment of colonies.
3. New Markets: Overseas expansion allowed the Portuguese and Spanish to access new markets and trade routes, reducing dependence on traditional markets and increasing economic influence.
Political Motives:
1. National Prestige and Power: Exploration and colonization were seen as a way to enhance national prestige and establish dominance over other European powers.
2. Expansion of Empires: Both Spain and Portugal sought to expand their territories, build colonies, and become global empires.
3. Strategic Locations: Acquiring strategic locations for trade and military purposes was important, as it gave control over key maritime routes and access to valuable resources.
Religious Motives:
1. Spread of Christianity: The Roman Catholic Church played a significant role in motivating overseas expansion. Missionaries aimed to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity and establish new religious orders.
2. Religious Zeal: Many explorers and conquistadors were driven by a sincere desire to spread Catholicism and combat non-Christian religions, viewing it as a holy mission.
Social Motives:
1. New Opportunities: Overseas expansion offered opportunities for social advancement and a chance to escape poverty or social constraints.
2. Nobility and Honor: Exploration and colonization provided a means for noblemen to gain honor, titles, and wealth through their endeavors.
Additional Factors:
1. Technological Advancements: Improvements in shipbuilding and navigation techniques, such as the compass and astrolabe, facilitated long-distance voyages and contributed to the success of Iberian expansion.
2. Rivalry: Competition with other European powers, particularly France and England, pushed Spain and Portugal to further expand and secure their claims.
In summary, Iberian overseas expansion was driven by a complex interplay of economic, political, religious, and social motivations, with the ultimate goals of wealth acquisition, national power, religious conversion, and social advancement. It led to the establishment of vast Spanish and Portuguese empires that had a profound impact on global history.