Final answer:
The last 5 years of Mexican rule in California saw many land grants being given for various reasons, including encouraging settlement, rewarding military officers, protecting against foreign invasion, and stimulating economic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the last 5 years of Mexican rule in California, numerous land grants were given for several reasons. One reason was to encourage settlement by Mexican citizens, as the Mexican government wanted to promote the growth of their population in the region. Another reason was to reward loyal Mexican military officers who had served in the Mexican army and were now seeking land as a reward for their service. Additionally, land grants were given to protect against foreign invasion by ensuring that the territory was occupied and controlled by Mexican citizens. Lastly, land grants were given to stimulate economic development as the Mexican government believed that granting land to individuals would lead to the establishment of productive agricultural and ranching enterprises.