Why was New Mexico important to the Spaniards? a. New Mexico provided water to the southern neighbors. b. New Mexico was a defensive buffer between New Spain and other explorers. c. New Mexico produced crops and goods desired in Mexico. d. New Mexico was important because the friars had mined so much gold.

d. New Mexico was important because the friars had mined so much gold.

Explanation: Spanish conquerors moved north of the Rio Grande in 1598 hoping to find gold and silver. Instead they found modest towns where Native peoples lived in adobe houses and practiced irrigation agriculture.

answer is D

Explanation: I took the test and got it correct have a great day

the chinese were most interested in gold

hope this

i believe it d) heterogeneous