What were three reasons Spain settled in California?

1. To Spread Catholicism: The Spanish were devout Catholics and wanted to spread Catholicism to the native people of California. They established missions and schools to teach the natives about the Catholic faith.

2. To Expand Their Empire: The Spanish were an imperial power and wanted to expand their territory in the New World. California was seen as a valuable territory because it was rich in resources and had a strategic location on the Pacific coast.

3. To Protect Their Claims to the Pacific Northwest: The Spanish were worried that other European powers, such as Britain and Russia, were encroaching on their territory in the Pacific Northwest. They established settlements in California to strengthen their claim to the region.