Spanish Influence in Texas How Spain Colonized Texas

Spanish Influence in Texas How Spain Colonized Texas

Purpose of the Spanish Missions ► The Spanish set up MISSIONS as a tool to COLONIZE Texas and convert native peoples to CHRISTIANITY. The missions were a tool that Spain used to strengthen their hold on Texas and turn natives into loyal Spanish subjects as well as producers of goods for Spain to export.

Spanish Missions in Texas

A Two Man Race… ► French Colonization – La. Salle and his failed attempt to establish a permanent Colony. § Searching for the mouth of the Mississippi § Clash with Karankawas ► Spanish Colonization – Spanish were concerned about wealth…GOLD § Cortez, Coronado, etc.

Spain Responds… ► France realizes the importance of Texas and begin an attempt to colonize Texas ► The Spanish notice this attempt and realize the importance of a permanent presence in the region by establishing Missions.

The layout of a Spanish Mission

The Role of Religion ► Religion influenced the colonization of Texas by Spanish missionaries and French traders. The Church wanted to convert the Native Americans to Christianity and make them productive Spanish subjects. ► As the French started to establish eastern colonies, their influence began to concern the Spanish

Father Hidalgo ► Hidlago’s primary concern was the fate of Native Americans and their conversion to Christianity. He asked the French to build a Mission since Spain wouldn’t. ► This concern made him contact the French in order to establish a greater religious influence in the region

The French Return… ► After discussing the issue with Father Hidalgo, the French viewed this as an open invitation to explore their opportunities in Texas. ► A French trader Louis de St. Denis is sent to explore and trade, but is arrested by Spanish officials for violating Spanish law.

Spanish Concern ► This intrusion by the French alarms Spanish officials. ► Father ► In Hidalgo gets his wish. response the Spanish begin to establish missions in East Texas as a buffer between themselves and the French

The Chicken War 1719 ► As the Spanish attempted to establish missions in East Texas, they were not welcomed by the Native Americans, and continued to have problems with the French. ► A Small French force of just a few men attack and capture 1 friar and 1 soldier. Many of the East Texas Missions believe they are being invaded by the French ► Exaggerations lead to mass chaos, and many Spaniards flee East Texas back to San Antonio.

Vengeance ► The Spanish see the results of the Chicken War as a massive blow to their ego. They had been embarrassed and humiliated. ► In response Spain brought more people and more ammunition. Presidios were established within every Spanish mission ► With this large military presence, the French surrendered all claims to Spanish Texas.