What was the primary purpose of the Spanish missions in the New World?

The primary purpose of the Spanish missions in the New World was to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Founded in the 16th and 17th centuries, these missions were integral to Spain's colonial policy, as they aimed to spread Catholicism among indigenous populations. The Spanish authorities viewed the conversion of Native Americans as a way to fulfill both religious and imperial goals, believing that they were bringing civilization and salvation to the indigenous peoples.

Missions often served as centers of religious, political, and social life in the colonial context. They were established in various regions of the Americas, where missionaries would teach Christianity, European agricultural practices, and Spanish language skills. While trade routes and the quest for gold were significant aspects of Spanish exploration and colonization, they were secondary to the mission's core aim of spiritual conversion and assimilation of Native populations into European culture.