When a country builds something on foreign lands they are establishing a foothold to claim that land. Building 21 missions did just that. There were 30-40 miles apart and about a days ride apart. The missions purpose was to convert the tribes in their area, provide food , and to maintain a military unit at the mission.
for all purpes
The Spanish padres were in charge of building the missions.
Native Americans did most of the work of building the missions. Fr. Junipero Serra was sent to California by Spain for the purpose of building missions.
PEOPLE!
Spain dropped the policy of building missions because they stopped supporting the Catholic Church.
Spanish
the spains did it
october 12
Spains
Missions represented the dominion of Spain and were there to civilize educate and bring the Native-Americans to Christianity. Some failed miserably in this effort while others in the Americas had great success. Where successful they stand as monuments to Spains noble attempt to bring Christ to the indigenous peoples while serving as sentinel posts and forts to mark the edges of Spains empire.
Spain began building missions in Texas in 1716. Two years later, the first civilian settlement in Texas, San Antonio, was established as a way station between the missions and the nearest existing Spanish settlement.
yourmom