Hi! The Spanish Missions in Texas started within the 1600s, with Spanish authorities starting in the (then French settlement) in 1689. There were over 26 missions from 1632-1793, most of which were driven by Catholicism (mainly the 3 Gs, God, Gold, and Glory. ) A lot of European countries used the “3 Gs” to dignify the expansion and colonization of other countries. Although it was just to gain power and become the most powerful countries :/ And they also wanted to be part of the gold and silver trade and needed to find the place to mine for it.
Overall missions: Spanish missions introduced livestock, fruits, vegetables, and industry. The materials brought by the Spaniards helped form the Cattle Industry, which is still largely based in Texas today. :)
Cultural Today: The Spaniards were also spreading Catholicism, which is now the number one religion in Texas with over 4 million members in the Catholic Church in 2010.