Question

In what ways did California's geography influence the building of Spanish forts and missions? (1 point) Responses 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 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 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.

Answer 1

California's geography influenced the building of Spanish forts and missions primarily through strategic considerations related to trade and access to resources. Therefore, the response that best reflects this influence is:

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

This location facilitated transportation and communication, which were crucial for the Spanish colonial system in California. Coastal sites offered natural harbors for ships and better connections with other territories, both in trade and military defense.