Colonial missions were efforts by European powers, particularly during the 15th to 19th centuries, to spread their culture, religion, and influence in newly discovered territories. These missions often involved the establishment of churches, schools, and settlements to convert indigenous populations to Christianity and promote European values. Missionaries, often affiliated with religious orders like the Jesuits or Franciscans, played a key role in these efforts. They aimed to educate and civilize local communities, but their activities sometimes led to the disruption of indigenous cultures and practices. The legacy of colonial missions remains complex, influencing both historical and contemporary discussions on cultural exchange and colonialism.