Missions & the Columbian Exchange Chapter 2 Section 3 (Pt II)

Catholic Missions The Spanish King did not want the Native pop. destroyed, they wanted control the Natives by making them: – Tax-paying subjects – Catholic converts To accomplish this, the Spanish sent Catholic missionaries all over New Spain – In Mexico & CA, the church built a series of missions These settlements included: – Church – Pueblo – Farming village – Presidio – Fort/Barracks The focus of these missions were twofold: – 1. Convert Natives – this also involved teaching them to read & write – 2. Food Production – Natives were used to do this work Many modern day cities in Mexico & the SW U.S. started as missions

Test Question What was the main goal of Spanish missions in America? a.To teach Natives how to read & write b.To convert Natives to Christianity & increase Spanish control c.To treat Natives as equals & give them land to farm d.None of the Above

Bartolome De Las Casas Native American slavery is WRONG, but hmm…what about Africans???

Bartolome de Las Casas – Bartolome de las Casas, a Catholic priest, worked to end the mistreatment of Natives Ironically, at one time he had enslaved Natives – He took part in the conquest of Cuba in 1512 – In return for his service, he was given a hacienda/encomienda » Seeing slavery firsthand caused BdlC to reevaluate » He decided that one couldn’t serve God & enslave Natives For the next 50 years, he attempted to convince the King to pass a law banning Native enslavement – The King finally agreed in 1542, but the law was ignored & eventually reversed One major legacy of BdlC’s fight was his suggestion on how to replace the Native workforce – He proposed that Africans be brought in b/c: » A slave system already existed in Africa » Africans had been exposed to Europeans & were immune to their diseases

The Columbian Exchange After Columbus’ arrival plants, animals, & diseases were introduced to both the Eastern & Western Hemispheres for the first time The major negative effect of this exchange was disease Diseases, the most negative effect, wiped out many Native groups – Smallpox, measles, and the Flu killed an estimated: » 20 million in Mexico alone » 90 – 95% of the pops. of Central America & Peru Not all of the effects of the Columbian Exchange were negative – European livestock & crops were introduced to America: Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, & Horses added new dietary & transportation advantages European grains & produce diversified diets as well – American products also greatly benefited Europe Potatoes & corn became staple crops – Potatoes, especially, led to a rapid rise in Europe’s pop.

Test Question Which of the following was NOT part of the Columbian Exchange? a.Plants b.Animals c.Slaves d.Diseases