Question

How did California's geography influence the building of Spanish forts and missions, as demonstrated by this map of California's historic mission sites?(1 point) Responses Building forts and missions in the northern part of the state provided shelter in densely populated forests. Building forts and missions in the northern part of the state provided shelter in densely populated forests. Building forts and missions inland where the soil was rich provided better opportunities for farming. Building forts and missions inland where the soil was rich provided better opportunities for farming. Building forts and missions along the southern coast provided easy access to trade routes. Building forts and missions along the southern coast provided easy access to trade routes. Building forts and missions in mountainous areas near Gold Rush towns provided opportunities for wealth. Building forts and missions in mountainous areas near Gold Rush towns provided opportunities for wealth.

Answer 1

The most accurate response regarding how California's geography influenced the building of Spanish forts and missions is:

**Building forts and missions along the southern coast provided easy access to trade routes.**

This option reflects the strategic choice of locations that allowed for better access to maritime routes, which were important for trade, communication, and supplies. The coastal areas also represented more favorable climates and resources, making them suitable for settlement and agricultural development.