Which of the following policies was characterized by attempts to integrate Native Americans into European cultural and religious practices?

The correct choice is characterized by the Spanish missionary policy, which aimed at integrating Native Americans into European cultural and religious practices primarily through the establishment of missions. Spanish missionaries, especially those from the Franciscan, Jesuit, and Dominican orders, sought not only to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity but also to instill European cultural norms and practices. They established missions throughout areas like California, New Mexico, and Texas, where they taught Native Americans European agricultural methods, language, and customs. This effort was often viewed as a means of civilizing and assimilating the Indigenous populations into Spanish colonial society, directly reflecting the goals of the Spanish crown.

In contrast, other colonial powers had different approaches. For instance, British colonial policy often focused on land acquisition and trade rather than integration. French colonial policy, while sometimes involving cooperation with Native Americans for trade purposes, did not prioritize the same level of cultural assimilation. Similarly, the Dutch colonial policy was largely focused on commerce and trade relations rather than extensive missionary work aimed at cultural integration. Thus, the distinct efforts of the Spanish to merge Indigenous cultures with European values through religious missions make the Spanish missionary policy the most accurate answer.