Final answer:
The chain of missions in California was started by the Spanish, and Father JunÃpero Serra was a key figure in founding the first missions that were part of Spain's colonization. They influenced California's culture, economy, and agricultural practices, despite their negative impact on Indigenous populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chain of missions in California was initiated by the Spanish with the goal of converting Indigenous people to Christianity, securing territory for Spain, and integrating the Indigenous population into Spanish colonial life. The most renowned figure associated with this effort was Father JunÃpero Serra, a Franciscan friar who founded the first nine of the 21 total missions along the California coast. This chain stretched from San Diego to San Francisco and served as a crucial element in Spain's colonization plan. Despite their initial intent, the missions led to detrimental impacts on the local Indigenous populations, including disruption of their cultural practices, forced labor, and the spread of diseases.
Moreover, the missions contributed to the early agricultural foundation of California, with the introduction and spread of viticulture and other farming techniques, which remains a significant part of the state's economy. While the missions have a complex legacy, they are an integral part of California's history and continue to influence its cultural and religious landscape today.