Question

Why did Jesuits and friars go to the Spanish colonies in the Americas?

Responses

to bring Catholicism to the native peoples

to bring Catholicism to the native peoples

to enforce Spanish trade laws

to enforce Spanish trade laws

to map new territories

to map new territories

to find gold and silver

Answer 1

Jesuits and friars went to the Spanish colonies in the Americas primarily **to bring Catholicism to the native peoples**. Their mission was to evangelize and convert Indigenous populations to Christianity, often establishing missions and schools in the process. While there were various economic and exploratory interests at play, such as mapping new territories or finding gold and silver, the primary focus of religious orders like the Jesuits and friars was the spiritual mission of conversion and education of the native communities.