LIFE in the SPANISH MISSIONS and PRESIDIOS The

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LIFE in the SPANISH MISSIONS and PRESIDIOS

LIFE in the SPANISH MISSIONS and PRESIDIOS

The Spanish Texans Spanish colonists came to Texas… to escape cruel conditions on haciendas

The Spanish Texans Spanish colonists came to Texas… to escape cruel conditions on haciendas in New Spain driven to the area by droughts/natural disaster by an oppressive tax system with a dream to become wealthy trading w/French (ILLEGAL!) to obtain better jobs in northern ranches

4 Types of Frontier Settlements Missions Presidios Pueblos Ranchos ***All of these settlements—especially the

4 Types of Frontier Settlements Missions Presidios Pueblos Ranchos ***All of these settlements—especially the missions and presidios—strengthened Spain’s claim on Texas.

Missions Main tool for colonizing Texas Purpose was to convert Native Texans to Catholic

Missions Main tool for colonizing Texas Purpose was to convert Native Texans to Catholic faith, teach them to be good citizens loyal to the crown, and help them become skilled laborers that could be productive for Spain. Run by Franciscan priests

Inside the Missions Square compound enclosed by 4 walls Towers on corners=lookout points Workshops

Inside the Missions Square compound enclosed by 4 walls Towers on corners=lookout points Workshops for weaving, carpentry, ironworking, and tailoring Lands surrounding mission used for grazing and crops ***Chapel was the most important part of the mission.

Daily Life in the Missions Structured and routine with prayers/ceremonies in the morning and

Daily Life in the Missions Structured and routine with prayers/ceremonies in the morning and work all day followed by more prayers and instruction in evenings Supervised by priests who punished those who were uncooperative. Very few Native Texans were converted

Hard Times in the Missions Unsuccessful Exposed Native Texans to deadly European diseases and

Hard Times in the Missions Unsuccessful Exposed Native Texans to deadly European diseases and a relatively challenging diet. The Spanish Crown viewed them as a drain on the finances which resulted in only 26 missions being built in Texas.

Presidios Purposes: To provide military support Later acted as settlements To protect colonists from

Presidios Purposes: To provide military support Later acted as settlements To protect colonists from Native American attacks Return any natives who ran away from the missions

Presidio Life Soldiers enlisted for 10 yrs. Very harsh and unpleasant lifestyle Often disagreed

Presidio Life Soldiers enlisted for 10 yrs. Very harsh and unpleasant lifestyle Often disagreed with the priests which led to problems with soldiers and mission residents Earned very little pay and often had to take extra jobs to pay for their own supplies