Final answer:
The Spanish government reinforced the settlements and presidios of east Texas to protect the area against French missions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Spanish government, following the "Regulation for the Presidios" in 1772, reinforced the settlements and presidios of east Texas to protect the area against French missions. This was done to ensure the Spanish government's control over the region and to prevent French expansion in Texas. The Spanish government saw the east Texas settlements as strategically important and took measures to strengthen them.