Final answer:
The French and Spanish settlers in the Americas both aimed to extract wealth and spread Christianity. While the Spanish often enforced conversion, the French employed cultural accommodation with native populations. Both nations also strived to weaken Iberian power and control in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Similar Goals of French and Spanish Settlers in the Americas
Both the French and Spanish settlers in the Americas shared some overarching goals in their colonial endeavors, despite having different approaches to achieving them. A primary aim for both was to extract wealth from the New World. The Spanish, known for their search for "God, Gold, and Glory," highly valued precious metals and sought to incorporate indigenous peoples into their colonial project. In contrast, the French were deeply involved in the fur trade and developed trade relations with the native populations. However, both ultimately desired economic gain, be it through mining, farming, or trading.
Another major goal for both the French and Spanish was the spread of Christianity. The Spanish felt a particularly strong religious mission to convert the indigenous people to Catholicism, often by force, while some French, such as the Jesuits, aimed to convert Native Americans more through persuasion and cultural accommodation. This evangelizing aspect was motivated by a combination of genuine religious fervor and the political strategy of securing loyalty and control over conquered or allied native populations.
Additionally, both nations sought to challenge and weaken the Iberian (Spanish and Portuguese) hold on the Americas. The French attempted to contest Spain's territorial claims, notably in Florida, and the French and Spanish were often in direct competition over trade routes and colonial influence. Thus, politics and international rivalry played a significant role in their colonial strategies.