Final answer:
The Spanish maintained their presence in New Mexico to expand their empire, spread Catholicism, and establish a strategic outpost despite lacking precious metals, facing resistance, and dealing with governance challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spanish king:
The Spanish king decided to maintain a presence in New Mexico despite several challenges primarily because the region served as an important outpost for the Spanish empire, reflecting Spain's campaign to expand its territories and spread Christianity. Santa Fe, established in 1610, became the capital of the Kingdom of New Mexico, part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of New Spain. Though initial expectations of finding gold and silver were not met, the Spanish Crown offered significant land grants to incentivize settlement.
Moreover, Catholic missionaries saw the new territory as a mission field for the conversion and education of the Pueblo Natives, helping to secure the Spanish influence and legacy in the region. In broader terms, despite local and indigenous resistance, as well as inner struggles Markedby civil war within the viceroyalty's territory, the crown's political and strategic interests, including ensuring a continued presence to counter other European powers, were critical reasons for the Spanish to stay in New Mexico.