why were the missions founded? course hero

Why did the conquistadors build missions?

The missionaries goal was to convert natives to Christianity, because diffusion of Christianity was deemed to be a requirement of the religion.

What was the purpose of the missions in Texas?

The Spanish Missions in Texas comprise a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholic Dominicans, Jesuits, and Franciscans to spread the Catholic doctrine among area Native Americans, but with the added benefit of giving Spain a toehold in the frontier land.

What was the purpose of the mission settlement?

The missions were designed to be mostly self- sufficient communities which would help change indigenous people into Spanish citizens. The conversion was not merely religious, but because Spain was a Catholic monarchy, it was integral to their efforts.

Why were the missions important to the colonization of Texas?

The Spanish Colonial era in Texas began with a system of missions and presidios, designed to spread Christianity and to establish control over the region. The missionaries hoped to spread Christianity and the Spanish culture to native groups. Presidios were the missions ‘ secular counterpart.

Why did Spain want the missions?

Throughout the colonial period, the missions Spain established would serve several objectives. The first would be to convert natives to Christianity. The missions served as agencies of the Church and State to spread the faith to natives and also to pacify them for the State’s aims.

Did the Spanish force Christianity?

Cortes defeated the Aztecs and forced them to convert. The destruction of idols, temples, the kidnapping of the Aztec children, the killings of the no- bility, and the practice of Christianity were forced for the most part on the Az- tecs by the Spaniards.

Why did Spain decide to close most of its Texas missions?

Why did Spain decide to close most of its Texas missions? When Spain acquired Louisiana, they did not see a need for most of the missions since they had control of French territory. Neutral ground was the area in between rivers that the US and Spain decided was not owned to either of them, to keep from conflict.