Ancient history

How did missions protect and harm native Americans?

Protection

* Provided food, shelter, and clothing

* Introduced new crops and animals

* Taught new skills, such as farming and weaving

* Offered protection from other tribes and from European colonists

* Provided a place to learn about Christianity and European culture

Harm

* Spread disease, such as smallpox and measles

* Disrupted traditional ways of life

* Forced Native Americans to convert to Christianity

* Separated families and communities

* Led to the loss of land and resources

*Contributed to the decline of Native American populations