Final answer:
Spain used religion as a justification for its conquests, combining religious motives with political and economic ambitions. The reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula and the colonization of the Americas were driven by a desire to spread Christianity and establish control over land and native populations. While there were some efforts at respectful conversion and education, the overall process was characterized by force and exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of religion as a basis for conquest was one of the key characteristics of Spanish exploration and colonization during the Age of Discovery. Not only was reconquering the Iberian Peninsula seen as a military endeavor, but it was also deeply rooted in religious motivations, with the aim to establish Christian dominion over lands previously held by Muslims.
When Spain conquered new territories, such as the Americas, it wasn't just seeking economic gain or territory expansion. The Spaniards had a dual goal: to control native labor and to impose the Catholic faith, believing they had the right to do so by virtue of conquest. This process of conquest and religious conversion was often forceful, and native populations frequently resisted, leading to a complex interplay between cultures and beliefs.
In several cases, such as the work of Dominican friar Bartolome de las Casas, there seems to have been a genuine effort to understand and educate native people while converting them to Christianity. However, it is clear that the Spanish crown and the Catholic Church used religion as a justification for the conquest and colonization, intertwining religious zeal with political and economic ambitions.