How did the Santa Cruz mission effect economy?

The Santa Cruz mission had several significant effects on the economy of the Alta California region:

1. Agricultural Development: The mission introduced new agricultural practices and technologies, such as irrigation systems, which increased crop yields and improved the overall productivity of the region. This led to a surplus of agricultural goods, which were traded with other missions, Native American tribes, and European settlements in the area.

2. Livestock: The mission established large herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, which provided a source of food and other resources for the mission community. The surplus of livestock and animal products were also traded with other settlements, contributing to the growth of the regional economy.

3. Trade and Commerce: The mission became a hub for trade and commerce in the region. It served as a marketplace where Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and other groups could exchange goods and services. The mission's location along the coast also facilitated trade with other settlements along the Pacific Coast.

4. Native American Labor: The mission relied heavily on the labor of Native Americans for its economic activities. Native Americans provided labor in agriculture, herding, construction, and other tasks essential to the mission's operation. This contributed to the mission's economic productivity but also raised concerns about the exploitation of Native American labor under the mission system.

5. Economic Integration: The mission's economic activities helped integrate the Alta California region into the broader colonial economy of the Spanish Empire. It contributed to the production and circulation of goods and resources within the region and facilitated trade with other Spanish colonies and settlements.