California's Mission System

California's Mission System refers to a series of religious and cultural outposts established by Spanish missionaries between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The primary goal was to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and assimilate them into Spanish colonial society. There were 21 missions, each serving as a center for agriculture, trade, and education. They played a significant role in shaping California's culture and economy, influencing the state's development. Today, many missions remain historic sites, reflecting the complex interactions between Spanish settlers and Native Californians, as well as the long-lasting impacts of colonialism.