How did the missions affect economy?

The missions had a significant impact on the economy of New Spain, the Viceroyalty of Peru, and the Philippines.

In New Spain, the missions were a source of labor for the Spanish colonists. The missionaries used the Native Americans to work in the fields, mines, and other industries. This labor force helped to boost the economy of New Spain, and it also allowed the Spanish colonists to focus on other activities, such as trade and exploration.

In the Viceroyalty of Peru, the missions were a source of wealth for the Spanish crown. The missionaries collected tribute from the Native Americans, and they also used the Native Americans to work in the mines. This wealth helped to support the Spanish government, and it also allowed the Spanish to expand their empire.

In the Philippines, the missions were a source of religious conversion for the Spanish. The missionaries worked to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism, and they also used them to spread Spanish culture and language. This conversion effort helped to strengthen the Spanish hold on the Philippines, and it also made it easier for the Spanish to trade with other countries in Asia.

Overall, the missions had a positive impact on the economy of the Spanish colonies. They provided a source of labor, wealth, and religious conversion, all of which helped to support the Spanish empire.