Final answer:
Guale and Mocama were areas where the Spanish established missions as part of their colonization efforts in the Southeast US, aiming to assert their claims against the English and manage local alliances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guale and Mocama were areas in the Southeastern United States where the Spanish established missions among the indigenous populations before the English colonization of Georgia. The Spanish were not just exploring or trading on the Barrier Islands; they were actively establishing missions to convert and control the native populations. These missions were integral in asserting Spanish claims to the region, serving as a buffer against English encroachment from the north, providing a source of labor, and functioning as part of an alliance system with local tribes. However, Spanish control weakened following attacks by English allied forces, leading to a decline in the Spanish mission system in this area.