2. To expand the Spanish Empire: The missions were also seen as a way to expand the Spanish Empire and to secure Spain's claim to California. By establishing a network of missions along the coast, the Spanish hoped to prevent other European powers from gaining a foothold in the region.
3. To provide labor: The missions also provided a source of labor for the Spanish colonists. The Native Americans who lived at the missions were forced to work in the fields and other industries, such as mining and ranching.