Spanish settlers: The missions were established by Spanish colonizers in the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries as part of their efforts to expand their territories and spread Catholicism. The settlers were primarily Spanish colonists who sought to establish a presence in these new lands, often aiming to exploit the resources and wealth of the regions.
Native American converts: The primary purpose of the missions was to convert indigenous communities to Catholicism. Through the missions, Spanish missionaries sought to educate, evangelize, and baptize Native Americans, encouraging them to abandon their traditional beliefs and adopt Spanish customs, language, and religion. Many missions were successful in converting large numbers of indigenous peoples, who became known as "neophytes" or "Indian converts."