The primary goal of Spain's financial sponsorship of Columbus' initial explorations and later expeditions to the New World was to find a new source of gold and silver to boost Spain's economy. Spain, under the leadership of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also felt they had another duty to perform in the New World; the conversion of as many people as possible to Catholicism.Ferdinand and Queen Isabella wanted to convert as many people as possible to Catholicism not only because they felt they had a religious duty to do so, but also because increasing the Catholic population would help to:A) Counter the threat of Islam which was now spreading through the Middle East and Asia.B) Make the indigenous people of the New World allies of SpainC) Increase the wealth and the power of the Pope and EuropeD) To provide a means of making a living to hundreds of Spanish nobles who were not landowners.

The primary goal of Spain's financial sponsorship of Columbus' initial explorations and later expeditions to the New World was indeed to find a new source of gold and silver to boost Spain's economy. However, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also had a religious mission in mind. They wanted to convert as many people as possible to Catholicism. This was not only because they felt they had a religious duty to do so, but also because increasing the Catholic population would serve several strategic purposes.

A) Counter the threat of Islam: During this period, Islam was spreading rapidly through the Middle East and Asia. By converting more people to Catholicism, Spain could counter this threat and maintain the influence of Christianity.

B) Make the indigenous people of the New World allies of Spain: By converting the indigenous people to Catholicism, Spain hoped to make them allies. This would make it easier for Spain to establish and maintain control over the New World territories.

C) Increase the wealth and the power of the Pope and Europe: The Catholic Church was a powerful institution during this period. By increasing the number of Catholics, Spain could increase the wealth and power of the Pope and, by extension, Europe.

D) Provide a means of making a living to hundreds of Spanish nobles who were not landowners: During this period, many Spanish nobles did not own land and therefore had limited means of making a living. By sponsoring expeditions to the New World, Spain could provide these nobles with opportunities to acquire wealth and status.

The primary goal of Spain's financial sponsorship of Columbus' initial explorations and later expeditions to the New World was indeed to find a new source of gold and silver to boost Spain's economy. However, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also had a religious agenda. They wanted to convert as many people as possible to Catholicism. This was not only because they felt they had a religious duty to do so, but also because increasing the Catholic population would have several benefits.

A) It would counter the threat of Islam, which was spreading through the Middle East and Asia. By converting more people to Catholicism, they could potentially slow down or even halt the spread of Islam.

B) It would make the indigenous people of the New World allies of Spain. If these people were converted to Catholicism, they would be more likely to align themselves with Spain and support its interests.

C) It would increase the wealth and power of the Pope and Europe. The Catholic Church was a powerful institution during this time, and increasing the number of its followers would only serve to increase its power and wealth.

D) It would provide a means of making a living to hundreds of Spanish nobles who were not landowners. By sponsoring these expeditions and conversions, the Spanish monarchy could provide these nobles with a purpose and a way to support themselves.

The primary goal of Spain's financial sponsorship of Columbus' initial explorations and later expeditions to the New World was indeed to find a new source of gold and silver to boost Spain's economy. However, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella also had a religious agenda. They wanted to convert as many people as possible to Catholicism. This was not only because they felt they had a religious duty to do so, but also because increasing the Catholic population would have several benefits.

A) It would counter the threat of Islam, which was spreading through the Middle East and Asia. By converting more people to Catholicism, they could potentially reduce the influence of Islam.

B) It would make the indigenous people of the New World allies of Spain. If these people were converted to Catholicism, they would be more likely to align themselves with Spain and support its interests.

C) It would increase the wealth and power of the Pope and Europe. The Catholic Church was a powerful institution during this time, and increasing the number of its followers would only serve to enhance its influence.

D) It would provide a means of making a living to hundreds of Spanish nobles who were not landowners. By supporting the Church and its missions, these nobles could gain favor and potentially secure positions within the Church hierarchy.