Answer:
The focus on religious conversion had a significant impact on the Spanish settlements and the Indigenous peoples they encountered in the New World.
Firstly, the Spanish settlers saw the conversion of the Indigenous peoples as a way to legitimize their conquest and colonization of the Americas. They believed that by converting the Indigenous peoples to Christianity, they were bringing them salvation and civilization. This view was strongly influenced by the doctrine of the "Doctrine of Discovery" and the papal bulls of the 15th century, which granted European monarchs the right to claim and conquer lands not ruled by Christian rulers.
Secondly, the focus on religious conversion led to the establishment of mission systems throughout the Americas, in which Indigenous peoples were forcibly converted to Christianity and integrated into Spanish colonial society. These missions were often established in remote areas, where Indigenous peoples were forced to abandon their traditional lifestyles and adopt Spanish cultural practices. This process led to the loss of Indigenous languages, cultural practices, and knowledge, and resulted in the creation of a new, syncretic culture.
However, the conversion efforts were often met with resistance from Indigenous peoples, who saw them as a threat to their autonomy and cultural identity. This led to numerous conflicts, including the 1680 Pueblo Revolt in present-day New Mexico, where the Pueblo people rose up against Spanish missionaries and colonial officials.
References:
Green, L. (2010). The Americas: An encyclopedia of culture and society. ABC-CLIO.
Restall, M. (2003). Seven myths of the Spanish conquest. Oxford University Press.
Weber, D. (1992). The Spanish frontier in North America. Yale University Press.