Spanish Franciscan missions

Definition

Spanish Franciscan missions were religious settlements established by the Catholic Church in the Americas during the period of European colonization. They aimed to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity and impose European culture and values.

Related terms

Encomienda system: A system in which Spanish colonizers were granted land along with a certain number of indigenous people who had to work for them.

Mestizos: People of mixed European and Indigenous heritage.

Junipero Serra: A prominent figure in establishing Spanish missions in California during the late 18th century.