What was a major factor influencing European migration and attempts to convert natives during the Renaissance?

The major factor influencing European migration and attempts to convert natives during the Renaissance was religious conflict. During this period, Europe was marked by significant religious upheaval, particularly due to the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Many European nations sought to spread Christianity and convert Indigenous populations in the Americas as part of a broader mission to assert religious and political dominance. The desire to spread Catholicism, especially by nations like Spain and Portugal, often intersected with their colonial ambitions, leading to extensive missionary efforts alongside exploration and conquest.

Additionally, the competition among various European powers heightened the focus on religious conversion as a means of solidifying their claims to new territories. This mission was often justified by a belief in the superiority of their faith, making the conversion of natives a significant motivation beyond mere economic or territorial ambitions. Thus, religious conflict played a central role in shaping the actions and motivations of European powers during the age of exploration.