spanish missions and forts

What life was like living in a mission

SPANISH MISSIONS AND FORTS

• The major goal of missions was to help Spain colonize and eventually become the greatest nation in the

world

MAJOR GOAL

• Spanish missionaries worked to convert American Indians to Christianity• Missions were expected to:

• Be self supporting ( grow and make its’ own stuff)

• Make a profit (money) for Spain• Produce goods for export (like beads and

artwork

PURPOSE

• Most missions were a square compound with enclosed walls to protect those inside.

• They were run by a priest.• Often had lookout towers

• Had workshops for spinning, weaving, carpentry, ironworking, and sewing

• Land inside the mission was for livestock and growing products to eat and sell

WHAT WAS IT?

LAYOUT

• Morning prayers• 30-60 minutes of Catholic school• Worked in the field or workshops• After evening meal, more prayers

• More Catholic school

DAILY LIFE

• Missions weren’t all that successful• Mission population shrank

• Native ran away because they disliked mission life

• Cost the Spanish government money to actually keep these missions going.

• Missions brought civilization and religion to Texas

• New diseases brough

EFFECTS

• Now that you know the purpose of the Spanish missions and what the daily life was like you must pretend that

you are a Native Indian living in a Spanish mission. You are to write a diary entry about a typical day in the

mission for you.

• Guiding Questions: • What are you in charge of? (agriculture, sewing, etc.)

• What is life like?• Do you like it or no?

• Have you ever thought of running away? If so, what could be the risks?

YOUR ASSIGNMENT