Answer:
Columbus was the first explorer they sponsored.
They started the settlement on the island of Hispaniola.
Ponce de Leon found cities of gold in Puerto Rico.
Step-by-step explanation:
These events occurred during Spanish exploration and settlements. Their first main purpose was to set colonies in American, seeking natural goods like silver and gold. Spanish Crown only was interested in those materials, and also to convert Native to Christianity, but this was the excuse to enter.