Final answer:
The Spaniards were motivated by greed and ambition, under the guise of spreading Catholicism and gaining commercial advantage, leading to the brutal treatment and oppression of indigenous populations in the Americas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the motivations and actions of the Spaniards during their exploration and conquest of the Americas. It suggests that contrary to claims of serving God or the King, the Spaniards were driven by greed and a desire to oppress the native populations, particularly the Arawak/Taino peoples of the West Indies. Historical accounts, like those of Bartolomé de las Casas, a primary observer, reveal the harsh and inhumane treatment of the indigenous peoples by the Spanish conquerors. The Spaniards justified their expansion efforts under the guise of spreading Catholicism and seeking commercial advantages over other European powers, most notably Portugal. Christopher Columbus, backed by Ferdinand and Isabella after the completion of the Reconquista, led these expeditions which ultimately resulted in the brutal colonization and significant population decreases of the native inhabitants of the regions they encountered.