The Spanish taking control over the colonists greatly increased their trade. Trade was a very important factor during this time, and a huge way the Spanish could help their economy would be by taking control of vast areas, like the colonies, which meant more places to trade. Another effect was the spread of Catholicism. The Spanish wanted to increase and evolve their religion, as most of them were Catholic, so spreading this to the colonies would make for increasing and improving the Catholic religion. The Spanish also really wanted the gold and silver that was found in the colonies, which they could sell for profit, along with different types of animal furs.
