Why did the Spanish encourage settlement in California during the 1780s and 1790s?

A) They needed a buffer between the Russian and British settlements in Oregon, and the silver mines in Mexico.
B) California provided a lucrative agricultural base for fruit growing.
C) The Spanish were experiencing overcrowding in Mexico.
D) They were looking for access to Asian ports.

Spanish Settlement

Refers to the colonies and territories established by Spain across the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific from the late 15th to early 19th centuries, part of the broader Spanish colonization.

California

A state located on the west coast of the United States, known for its diverse geography, economy, and as a cultural and technological hub.

Silver Mines

Sites where silver ore is extracted from the earth, often through mining operations.