Spain built missions along Georgia's barrier islands primarily for the purpose of spreading Catholicism and converting the Indigenous populations, particularly the Guale and Yamacraw tribes, to Christianity. These missions were part of Spain's broader colonial strategy to assert its influence in the region and to secure its territorial claims against rival European powers, such as England and France.
In addition to religious conversion, the missions aimed to establish Spanish authority and facilitate the integration of Indigenous communities into European culture. They also served as centers for trade and agriculture, allowing the Spanish to exploit the region's natural resources while fostering relationships with local tribes. Overall, the missions represented a significant effort in Spain's colonial endeavors to control and develop the Southeastern United States during the 16th to 18th centuries.
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