What was a primary goal of the Jesuit missions in the Americas?

The primary goal of the Jesuit missions in the Americas was to convert Native Americans to Catholicism. The Jesuits, a religious order within the Catholic Church known for their educational and missionary work, focused intensively on evangelization. Their strategy included learning Native languages, understanding local cultures, and establishing missions that served as centers for both religious instruction and community engagement. Through these efforts, the Jesuits aimed to not only spread Christianity but also integrate Indigenous peoples into European traditions and society, often promoting the retention of some aspects of local culture where it aligned with Christian values. This commitment to conversion was key in many Jesuit missions throughout the Americas.