<P> The overseas expansion under the crown of Castile was initiated under the royal authority and first accomplished by the Spanish conquistadores . The Americas were incorporated into the Spanish Empire , with the exception of Brazil and Canada , and the crown created civil and religious structures to administer the region . The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Catholic faith through indigenous conversions . </P>
why did spain establish colonies in north america
trade and the spread of the Catholic faith through indigenous conversions