Final answer:
During the Victorian era, British missionaries were sent to expand the Christian faith and Western culture to regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as to the Americas. These missionaries, often sent by Protestant and Catholic organizations, established educational and religious institutions, and sometimes provided healthcare. Notable missionary influences include the Wesley brothers and George Whitefield, with a significant increase in American-led missions toward Asia in the late 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
Missionaries were central figures in the British Empire's strategy to spread its influence and culture during the Victorian era. In an effort to expand the Christian faith and the ways of the Western world, missionaries from Britain journeyed to numerous colonies and regions across the globe. These dedicated individuals travelled widely, but many were sent to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific to establish churches and schools, aiming to convert local populations to Christianity and to teach them the language and culture of the imperial power. Others went to West Africa, the Americas, or places that today include countries such as India and China. Their activities also included providing education, modernization efforts, and sometimes addressing health care needs.
For example, Portugal sent missionaries to West Africa, while Spain and France directed their missionary efforts to the Americas. Protestant groups like the Methodists, influenced by figures such as the Wesley brothers and George Whitefield, played a significant role in the religious transformation in the colonies during the Great Awakening. By the late 19th century, American Protestant missionary societies were increasingly active, especially in Asian territories, influenced by the thoughts of leaders like Reverend Josiah Strong.