Spanish missions in the Americas

Spanish missions in the Americas were religious and cultural establishments created by Spanish colonizers, primarily from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Their main goal was to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, while also promoting Spanish culture and language. These missions often involved building churches, schools, and communities, leading to significant changes in local societies. Prominent in present-day California, Texas, and the Southwestern U.S., missions played a crucial role in the Spanish colonization process, shaping the history and cultural landscape of the region. They also serve as historical sites today, reflecting this complex legacy.