- Economic opportunities: The island of Hispaniola, where Haiti is located, was a major producer of sugar, cotton, and other valuable commodities. The Europeans saw Haiti as a source of wealth and a potential market for their own goods.
- Religious motives: Many of the European settlers in Haiti were motivated by a desire to spread Christianity. They believed that the indigenous people of the island needed to be "civilized" and converted to Christianity.
- Political ambitions: Some of the European settlers in Haiti were also motivated by political ambitions. They hoped to establish colonies and expand their empires in the New World.
- Humanitarian concerns: Some of the European settlers in Haiti were also motivated by humanitarian concerns. They believed that they could improve the lives of the indigenous people by introducing new technologies and ideas.