Life in Spanish Texas

Missions At first, missions were run by priests. One purpose was to convert Native Texans to the Catholic faith. Taught the native peoples to be good citizens and loyal subjects of the Spanish crown. Spaniards hoped the natives would become skilled laborers who could be productive for Spain If all these goals were met, Spain promised to give control of the missions to local government.

Daily Life in the Missions began with morning prayers followed by instruction in the Catholic faith. After breakfast the natives worked all day in the fields or workshops. After the evening meal, everyone in the mission gathered for more religious instruction and prayers before going to sleep. The priests supervised and physically punished uncooperative natives. For the most part, Native Texans did not care for mission life. Many did not convert to the Catholic faith. Many ran away, were captured by presidio soldiers, and punished by the priests.

Hard Times in the Missions native population within the missions began to shrink Many of the native women died giving birth. Many natives were exposed to deadly European diseases. Spanish crown began to view the missions as a drain on Spanish finances.

Presidios Provided military support for missions, and later settlements, until these communities could support themselves. protect the colonists from attacks by Native Texans. Presidio soldiers brought back natives who ran away from the mission they protected groups bringing supplies from the Rio Grande. Soldiers also guarded herds of cattle and horses to keep them from being stolen by native raiders.

Inside the Presidio Presidios were built from logs, adobe, or stone. Presidio compounds were rectangular with four tall walls and lookout points on each corner Inside the presidio were barracks, separate sleeping quarters for officers, a chapel, and storage rooms. The only entrance was a huge main gate.

Problems In Presidios People often had to adopt military lifestyles Raided by native Americans Officers were treated better than regular folk Most supplies were rationed to the soldiers If you were in military, you had to constantly return runaway Natives To the missions

Spanish Towns The pobladores were colonists who lived in the towns, or pueblos. used logs, adobe, and stone, to build permanent dwellings built dams and to bring water to the towns and to farmers’ fields many pobladores were former presidio families. some were Native Texans who had adapted to Spanish culture

Life in Spanish towns Some worked as blacksmiths, gunsmiths, bakers, and carpenters. Others drove carts, transporting goods from one town to another Merchants operated general stores, selling food, clothing, tools, and other goods. Festivals and other outdoor activities gave settlers opportunities to form friendships

Problems in the Towns No running water and sewage services. Unclean living conditions led to deadly epidemics Not many doctors, medicines, or medical supplies in these remote settlements. always in danger of being raided by Native Texans, outlaws, and smugglers.

Ranches Some colonists lived outside of towns in places called ranchos, or ranches, and farms. Raised cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and hogs. provided the food and supplies colonies needed to survive. supplied towns with wool and animal hides. Provided horses for soldiers in the presidios

Problems in the Ranches Often times, people needed to fend for themselves Towns often suffered droughts Invasions from Native Americans Lack of food

Essay Spanish Colonial Essay: Which Spanish settlement would you live in? Explain your answer by showing your settlements advantages over the other Spanish settlements.

Fray Damian Massanet Convinced the Viceroy of New Spain to colonize East Texas and convert the Caddo tribe to Catholicism 1.)Why the renewed interest?? Became leader of first missions in East Texas, although they eventually became failures 2.)Why do you think this is? (look at map)

Answer First Missions suffered many Hardships: -floods -lack of supplies -failed crops -hostile Natives

Francisco Hidalgo (just think: Father Franc asked France for help) Spanish priest who contacted French priests to convert Native Texans when the Spanish government was unwilling to help. 3.)Why do you think he would do this? Result: Caused Spain to suspect French colonization of Texas again

Jose de Escandon Military Commander who led Spain’s settlement in to SOUTH Texas How? He sent settlers, soldiers, and priests to settle the lands between Rio Grande and Nueces River, establishing Missions and Presidios along the way

Antonio Margil de Jesus Founded San Jose and San Miguel de Aguayo (a mission still in San Antonio today)

Processing: Ticket Out the Door Directions: Write these questions down in your ISN, then answer 1.) How did the Spanish try to settle East Texas? What method did they use? What was its purpose? 2.) Identify why each Spanish settler was so important: -Massanet: -Antonio Margil de Jesus: -Jose de Escandon: -Francisco Hidalgo 3.) Out of the four Spanish settlers, which do you think is the most important? Explain why.

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