Conquistadores were primarily motivated by which of the following?

The motivation of conquistadores was notably driven by their desire for wealth, particularly in the form of gold. Alongside this pursuit of riches, they aimed to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity, which was a significant aspect of their expeditions during this period of European exploration and colonization. The combination of seeking gold and religious conversion reflects the economic and spiritual goals that characterized the actions of these explorers.

Establishing peaceful relations with Native Americans was often not a primary objective; rather, the conquistadores frequently sought to conquer and rule over Indigenous populations. The spread of democratic ideals was not a focus for the conquistadores, as their actions were often more aligned with imperial conquest than with promoting democracy. Lastly, while technological innovation did occur as a result of exploration, it was not the main motivating factor driving the conquistadores in their endeavors. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the true nature of conquistadores' motivations in their expeditions.