Life in Spanish Missions

Missions

• The mission was Spain’s main tool for colonizing Texas.

• In the Missions the native Texans were…– converted to Christianity.– taught to be good loyal citizens of Spain

• Spain financed the mission and the Catholic church provided priests.

Success or Failure?

Essential Question:

Was the Spanish mission system a success or a failure?

You should keep this question in mind and be able to answer it at the end of the unit.

Daily Life in the Mission1. Morning Prayers

2. Instruction in the Catholic faith

3. Breakfast

4. Work all day in the fields, kitchen, or in the workshops

The Native Texans that became part of the mission were often punished by the priest if they did not follow rules.

Few Natives converted to Christianity.

One of the few tribes that did convert was the Coahuiltecans in South Texas

Spanish Texans

•The Franciscan order of the Catholic Church ran the Missions.

•The Indians who were converted became Hispanics or “turned Spanish”

The front of Mission Concepción near San Antonio

The Spanish Texans• In the late 1700s, about 3,500 colonist were

living in what is now Texas.• Many of the colonists came to Texas to escape

cruel conditions in New Spain (Mexico).• They settled in San Antonio

Inside the missions

• Most missions were enclosed by four walls, with towers at the corner for protection.

• Land surrounding the mission was used for livestock and crops.

• There was also a mission chapel.

Diagram of a Spanish Mission

1. Church2. Priests’ Quarters3. Workshops4. Kitchen5. Storerooms6. Well7. Indian Village8. Water Access

1

2 3 4

5

6

7

Spanish Mission

8

Hard times in the missions

• Missions were less successful than Spain had hoped.

• The Native population shrank because of disease and escapees.

• The missions did not grow enough to pay back Spain.

• In the end, Spaniards had built 26 missions in Texas.

presidios• Purpose: Soldiers

provided military support and protection for the missions, and later settlers – From attacks by Native

Texans– Guard cattle & horsesThey are like FORTS!

• Presidio soldiers also had to bring back escapees.

Life in Spanish TexasTowns, Ranches, and Independence

TOWNS

• The Spanish built 4 towns when the missions closed.

• Former presidio families & Natives who adapted to Spanish culture lived there.

• Life was simple, but work was hard.

Problems in the towns

• Unclean living conditions led to deadly epidemics of cholera, smallpox, and other diseases.

• There were muddy streets and standing water that carried mosquitoes that had diseases.

• Few doctors, medicines, or medical supplies.

• Always in danger of being raided by the Natives.

• Outlaws and smugglers also attacked the town to steal possessions and supplies.

In your opinion, what do you think was the worst problem for the townspeople?

Cattle industry and ranching begins

• Cattle were brought to Texas during Spain’s first attempt to colonize.

• By 1787, ranches replaced missions as the chief source of livestock in Texas.

Which Region has enough rain to support the Cattle Industry?

Which Region has Enough Rain to support the Cattle Industry?

• Gulf Coastal Plains-because of the surplus of rain, and flat land for the animals to graze.

Spanish influence Continues on• Spanish

– explored land – founded mission– built towns – developed ranches.

• One of Spain’s most important contributions has been the Spanish language.– Rivers– Cities– Landforms– food

• The Spanish started the cattle industry, ranching, and the wool industry.

SETTLEMENTSPRESIDIOSMISSIONS

Spanish Mission SystemThis chart gives the BASICS… look in your book for DETAILS!!

DEFINITION

PURPOSE

INHABITANTSWho lived there?

DAILY ACTIVITIES

PROBLEMS

A religious settlement

To teach the Natives the Spanish way of life and to convert

them to Christianity

Spanish Catholic Friars (Priests)

Native American men and their

families

FarmingRanching

CraftsEducation

1. Native American resentment2. Some did not want to stay at the missions

A Spanish military outpost

To protect the missions and settlements

Spanish Soldiers (worked there and

lived in the settlements)

ScoutingControlling the

Native populationPatrolling

1. Danger2. Low pay3. Lack of support/supplies from the government

A community that grows up around a

mission and presidio

To create Spanish towns in Texas and to provide a home for the soldiers’

familiesSpaniardsNative AmericansAfrican Americans

Mestizos and Tejano(a)sFarmingRanching

Crafts and TradesFiestas

1. Disease2. No schools

Key Question

1.What two purposes did missions in Texas serve Spain?

Convert native peoples to Christianity and help Spain secure its claim to the land.