Final answer:
The conflict between Spain and its New World colonies was mainly due to a quest for independence and self-governance, exacerbated by Spain's mercantilist trade policies and enforcement of systems like the encomienda.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conflicts Between Spain and Its Colonies
The conflict between Spain and its New World colonies primarily stemmed from the quest for independence and self-governance (C). This tension was a consequence of colonial resentment towards policies from the homeland, which included disagreements over taxation and trade policies. In addition, Spain's mercantilist policies and monopolistic control over colonial trade fostered dissatisfaction among the colonies, who were forced to engage in enforced labor systems like the encomienda and deal with the impacts of mercantilism and the Columbian Exchange.
These conflicts fuelled the desire of the creole elites and others for more autonomy, eventually leading to various independence movements like the Mexican War of Independence. Besides the socio-economic disparities, these grievances came into sharp focus especially after the reinstatement of pre-Napoleonic policies in the colonies, resulting in significant uprisings and efforts towards self-rule.
While religious wars and missionary activities did occur during the time, especially between Protestant and Catholic