1. Conquest and Empire Building: Cortes aimed to conquer and establish Spanish rule over the Aztec Empire. He sought to expand Spain's territorial control and create a vast empire in the New World.
2. Acquisition of Wealth: The Spanish were driven by the desire for riches and the quest for gold, silver, and other valuable resources that were rumored to be abundant in the Aztec Empire.
3. Conversion of Indigenous People to Catholicism: Cortes and the Spanish conquistadors had a religious mission to convert the indigenous people of Mexico to Catholicism. They aimed to spread their religious beliefs and practices throughout the region.
4. Exploration and Discovery: Cortes was motivated by a spirit of exploration and the desire to discover new lands, cultures, and civilizations in the Americas.
5. Establishment of Trade and Commerce: The conquest of Mexico opened up opportunities for trade and commerce between Spain and the newly acquired territories. Cortes played a role in establishing trade routes and developing economic ties with the region.
6. Political and Administrative Control: Cortes aimed to establish a stable political and administrative system in the conquered territories, ensuring Spanish control and authority over the indigenous population.
7. Preservation of Indigenous Culture: While the Spanish sought to impose their culture and religion, Cortes' accounts and writings also preserved aspects of indigenous cultures and societies that might otherwise have been lost or suppressed.
These goals were interconnected, and Cortes pursued them concurrently during his expedition to Mexico, which ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Aztec Empire and the establishment of Spanish colonial rule in the region.