nization of North America
Read the passage.
"After 1769, the life of the California natives (American Indians] who came in contact with the
Spanish was reshaped by the mission fathers, not the townspeople of the pueblos or the soldiers of
to train them for life in a European colonial society. Conversion was seldom an entirely voluntary
the presidios. The Franciscans came to California not merely to convert the tribes to Christianity but
process, and converts (neophytes) were not left to return to their old ways but were required to live
although located some distance from the mission proper. There they were taught Spanish as well as
the tenets of their new religion and trained in skills that would fit them for their new lives: brickmaking
and construction, raising cattle and horses, blacksmithing, weaving, tanning hides, etc."
-Library of Congress

Inferring from this text, why might the Spanish
have felt it important to train the natives of California
for a "European colonial society"?

A.to make it easier to govern the Indians
B.to prevent the Indians from leaving
C.to make the Indians equals in colonial society
D.to spread European beliefs and language