Spanish Mission System

Missions Missions were supported by: 1.The Spanish government which owned the land and provided the money. 2.The Catholic Church which owned the buildings, livestock, etc.

The Spanish Mission System The Spanish Mission System was a three-fold design: 1.A mission or church was built to convert and civilize the native Texans. 2.Soldiers were sent to fortify the presidio and protect the Catholic priests and converted Indians from a possible Apache or Comanche Indian attack. 3.A villa or small town was established to house the Spanish Soldiers and their families. Modern-day cities such as San Antonio and El Paso had their earliest beginnings as part of the Spanish mission system.

While living in the missions, Spanish friars taught the Native Texans many skills and tried to convert them to the Catholic faith. How did missions contribute to Spain's goals for Texas?

4. Rancho (ranch) (ranch)

Missions (churches) Who lived there? Friars & Native Texans Purpose – Convert Native Texans to the Catholic church – Civilize Native Texans (teach them to be good citizens and loyal subjects of Spain) – Colonize Texas – Teach natives skilled labor Supported by – Spanish Government (owned land and provided money) – Catholic Church (owned buildings, livestock, etc.) Problems – European disease – Native Texan raids – Too expensive to run Daily Activities: Morning Prayers Men – work in fields & workshops Women – kitchen, weaving Children - school

What are some of the reasons Native Texans might have found it difficult to adapt to mission life?

Presidios (forts) Who lived there? Spanish Soldiers Purpose – Provide military support for missions – Protect citizens from Indian attacks – Return runaway Indians – Guard the mission’s livestock – Protect supply wagons from the Rio Grande Problems – Life was dull, unpleasant – Hard dangerous work – Low pay Daily Activities: Protect colonists Bring back runaways Guard herds of cattle & horses

Many soldiers obtained land and made new lives for themselves in Spanish Texas. What do you think was the best part of life as a presidio soldier? the worst?

Villas (village or town) Who lived there? Colonists, families of soldiers, some natives Purpose – Supplied missions & presidios – Show Spanish presence Daily Activities – Farming – Masons / Carpenters – Bakers – Festivals Problems – Little money – No running water – Deadly epidemics – Raids

Women in Spanish Texas worked hard to help the colonies succeed. What do you think were some of the biggest challenges for women living in Spanish Texas?

Ranchos Who lived there? Ranchers, vaqueros, some settlers Purpose – Supplied food & supplies to help colonists survive Daily Activities – Feed livestock – Milk cows – Work in fields – Make repairs Problems – Few workers – Dangerous weather – Native Texan raids

Ranching grew to become one of the most important industries in the history of Texas. How do you think Texas history would be different if the ranching industry had not been so successful?

The Spanish colonists endured many hardships in an effort to build new lives for themselves in Texas. Imagine that you are one of these pioneers. After years of struggle, your small settlement is finally able to support itself. Unfortunately, the Spanish government is doing little to help. Instead, it seems more concerned with controlling the people and collecting taxes. You have heard that the citizens of the United States and France overthrew their leaders for similar reasons. However, the Spanish government is still very powerful in Texas. Will you support efforts to break free from Spain, or do you feel this move would be too dangerous? Why?

Spanish Colonists Rebel What happens? Why? War caused Spain to heavily tax colonists King lived too far away Spain passed unfair laws Spain withdrew support for missions Colonists grow unhappy w/ Spain

Spanish Colonists Rebel What is Enlightment? A movement to apply reason and science to gov’t & society Colonist wanted to make own laws Belief that govt should support peoples natal rights or be replaced Successful American and French Revolutions inspire Spanish Enlightment comes to Mexico

Spanish Colonists Rebel What happens? Why? Called for liberation of Mexican people from Spain Believed poor would never share better conditions Sept 16, 1810 gave speech “Grito De Delores” Spanish gov’t arrested and executed Hidalgo Father Hidalgo calls for independence

What is the relationship between the Enlightenment and Father Hidalgo's cry for independence?

Spanish Colonists Rebel What happens? Why? Rebellion made people realize Spain might be defeated Gutierrez and Magee fought for control of Texas but were defeated Mexican unrest continues Aug. 24, 1821 Spanish forces were defeated – Mexico now independent from Spain The movement grew for Mexican Independence

How does Spanish still influence us today? Main contribution was the Spanish language Spanish roots in art, architecture, music & literature Spanish influence lives on Brought cattle, horses, sheep & pigs. Started cattle industry, ranching, rodeos. Spaniards brought culture beliefs, laws, religion & customs to Texas

Spanish Influence Collage Make a collage showing how Spanish /Mexican influence continues in today’s Texas culture. Choose at least three topics. Examples….. – Food – Art – Music – Traditions – Celebrations – Architecture You must have a title. You may use pictures from magazines, internet or drawings. Include words and pictures.