How did the Spanish justify the conquests of Mexico and Peru?

The Spanish justified the conquests of Mexico and Peru through religious, economic, and political reasons.

The Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru was primarily justified on religious grounds. The Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church believed in the divine right to spread Christianity to the 'New World'. They saw the indigenous populations as pagans who needed to be converted to Christianity. This was part of a broader European trend during the Age of Discovery, where exploration was often tied to missionary work. The Spanish used the concept of the 'Requirement' (Requerimiento), a document read to the indigenous people before conquest, asserting the Spanish monarchs' rights to rule these lands and convert the inhabitants to Christianity. If the indigenous people refused, it provided a legal and moral justification for war.

Economic motivations also played a significant role in justifying the conquests. The Spanish Crown was in dire need of new sources of wealth to maintain its position in Europe. The discovery of vast amounts of gold and silver in Mexico and Peru provided a compelling economic incentive for conquest. The Spanish Crown claimed these resources as royal property, arguing that they were rightfully theirs due to the 'discovery' of these lands. The encomienda system, which granted Spanish settlers the right to the labour of indigenous people, was also justified as a means of organising these new territories and extracting wealth.

Politically, the Spanish Crown used the conquests to enhance its prestige and power. The conquests were seen as a demonstration of Spain's might and a way to rival other European powers, particularly Portugal. The Spanish Crown also used the conquests to consolidate its authority at home. By granting titles and lands in the New World to Spanish nobles, the Crown was able to secure their loyalty and support.

In summary, the Spanish justified the conquests of Mexico and Peru through a combination of religious, economic, and political reasons. These justifications were deeply intertwined with the broader context of the Age of Discovery and the intense competition between European powers for wealth and influence.