Question

How did Jose de Escandon affect the expansion of New Spain?

a. He found areas new settlements but had little effect in creating them because he was an unsuccessful businessman.
b. He worked hard to establish many towns and missions for Spain in southern Texas.
c. He convinced Spain to send more funds for expansion when they were ready to stop funding New Spain.
d. He discouraged New Spain from expanding south and stopped new missions from being established.

Answer 1

Jose de Escandon played a crucial role in developing southern Texas through the establishment of towns and missions, expanding New Spain's presence in the area. Option b. is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jose de Escandon significantly affected the expansion of New Spain by working diligently to establish many towns and missions in southern Texas. His work helped to increase the non-Native population in the region, creating a buffer zone against both native tribes and potential American expansion. By bringing settlers as part of Spain's empresario system, Escandon contributed to the wider Spanish effort to populate and develop their New World territories, which had previously been limited due to challenging conditions and reluctance from potential European settlers.