17th-century missions

In the 17th century, European powers, particularly Spain and France, established missions primarily to spread Christianity among Indigenous populations in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. These missions aimed to convert people to Catholicism while often coinciding with colonization efforts. Missionaries built churches, schools, and hospitals, fostering cultural exchange but frequently imposing European customs and religion. This period was marked by significant interactions between diverse cultures, leading to both cooperation and conflict, as Indigenous peoples navigated the changes brought by these missions and colonial authorities. Ultimately, the legacy of these missions is complex, shaping many societies today.