What was the main economic activity in California during the Spanish colonial period?

The main economic activity in California during the Spanish colonial period was missionary work and agriculture. The Spanish established missions throughout California, aiming to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish colonial society. These missions became centers for agricultural production, where crops were cultivated and livestock was raised. This agricultural activity not only supported the missions themselves but also laid the groundwork for the development of agriculture in California, which would later become a significant part of the state's economy.

The establishment of land grants and ranchos further promoted agricultural practices, as settlers and soldiers were given land to raise cattle and crops. The focus on agriculture and the missionary system was integral to shaping the economic landscape of California during this period, fostering a culture that intertwined religious goals with economic activities.