The desire for adventure and wealth: Cortes, like many other Spanish conquistadors, was motivated by the desire for adventure and the chance to make his fortune in the New World. He saw the opportunity to gain fame and wealth by exploring and conquering new lands.
The zeal of Christianity: Cortes was a devout Catholic, and he saw the conquest of Mexico as an opportunity to spread Christianity to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. He believed that it was his duty to bring the Catholic faith to the New World and to save the souls of the Native Americans.
The quest for power and glory: Cortes was a ruthless and ambitious man who craved power and glory. He saw the conquest of Mexico as a way to gain power and influence both within the Spanish Empire and beyond.