1. Life in the Spanish Missions

3. What is a Mission? Mission- settlement set up in Indian Territory
Built by Friars (members of the clergy)
The Spanish did not like the idea of a French fort in the New World so they created the mission-presidio system to gain control.
Presidio- forts that offered protection for the mission from unfriendly Native Americans

4. GOALS OF THE MISSIONS
To transform Native Americans into Christians and loyal Spanish subjects
They taught them about:
Christianity
Language and customs of Spain
Spanish farming methods

5. First Mission Corpus Christi de la Ysleta Founded in 1682
at present day El Paso
Among the Tigua culture

6. San Francisco de los tejas
Alonso de Leon and Father Damian Massanet founded this mission near the Caddo in 1690
After a peaceful beginning, the Natives soon became ill from diseases and experienced floods that the Native Americans blamed on the Spanish presence. They want to kill the Spanish.
The Spanish abandon the mission.

7. St. Denis & Father Hildago
1711 – begin building missions in East Texas
Established six Spanish missions and a presidio

8. THE Chicken war
1719 – Spain and France go to war in Europe and this spreads to their colonies in the New World
The French really are not a threat but the Spanish do not realize this
The Spanish abandon the East Texas missions as a result

9. THE ALAMO
Another famous mission is San Antonio de Valero. The presidio near it was San Antonio de Bexar, known as the Alamo.

10. Recruiting NATIVE AMERICANS
In general, the Native Americans came by choice
They were offered gifts by the Friars
Provided a steady source of food
Provided protection from other Indian attacks

11. Religious Instruction
Key purpose was to convert Indians to Catholic religion (learn the Catechism)
Indians were forced to follow a rigid schedule
Workday begins at dawn
Religious meetings daily, prayers, morning, noon, and evening

12. Daily Work Settling in one place, farming Raised livestock
Helped build missions
Skilled masons, stone carvers
Sew clothes
Blacksmithing

13. Inside the Missions
Shaped as a rectangle - easier to protect, out-look posts on all four corners
Well in the center of the courtyard-easy access, central location
Chapel- MOST important thing about the mission
Friars and Indians had different living quarters because they were separated by religious social class

14. INSIDE THE MISSIONs
Gardens/pasture for animals- grew their own food and raised livestock
Everyone was educated, thought that would help make the Indians more civilized
Trade frequently- sewing, weaving, blacksmiths, carpentry, pottery

15. Problems with the Missions
DISEASE
Lived in close quarters
Indians had no defense for diseases
Diseases that would make the Spanish ill, but would kill the Native Americans
Entire tribes would die out (epidemics)

16. Problems with the missions
REJECTION OF MISSION LIFE
Some joined the Spanish culture and accepted the Catholic religion as their own.
Some Native Americans would not conform to the Spanish way of life. Many would leave during hunting season or just run away.
Friars would just go find the Native Americans and bring them back.

17. Problems with the missions
False friendliness
Other Native American attacks
Stealing horses, raiding goods

18. LIFE OF SOLDIERS Life was tough, work was hard
Many duties (protection, guard livestock, supply wagon trains, etc.)
Some brought families with them but this was rare

19. LEGACY OF THE MISSIONs Ranching Words (bronco, lasso, vaquero)
Spanish language
Architecture