Final answer:
The Spanish were seeking gold and riches when they arrived in the Americas in the 1400s, with this quest being a central part of expanding and glorifying their empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct option : a
The Spanish, led by figures such as Christopher Columbus, were driven by the prospect of finding vast amounts of gold, as referenced in Columbus's reports back to Europe. This drive for wealth was closely tied to the ambitions of Spanish rulers like Ferdinand and Isabella, who sought to expand and glorify their empire. The search for resources was so crucial that they established strict trade policies to ensure that newly found silver and gold were exported directly to Spain.
Conquistadors like Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro found success in their quests for gold and silver by conquering the rich Aztec and Inca empires respectively. The discovery of these metals led to a significant increase in wealth for Spain and fueled their golden age of art and literature. While they also had other motives such as spreading Christianity and seeking new trade partners, the quest for gold and riches was the driving force behind their expeditions.