Spanish Missionaries in Texas

How Spain Colonized Texas

MAJOR GOAL OF MISSIONS

The major goal of missions was to help Spain colonize and eventually become the greatest nation in the world.

Major Players

*Father Damián Massanet – accompanied de Leon to convert Native Americans

*Jose de Escandon – led Spanish expansion into South Texas

*Antonio Margil de Jesus – considered one of the founders of Texas

*Martin de Alarcón – established San Antonio de Valero – one of the most important missions in Texas

*Francisco Hidalgo – tireless advocate for missions and Indians; attempted to reestablish missions in East Texas

What Was a Spanish Mission

Missions were the main tool for colonizing Texas. Most missions were a square compound with

enclosed walls to protect those inside. Run by a priest. Often had lookout towers. 

Had workshops for spinning, weaving, carpentry, ironworking, and tailoring (sewing).

Land inside the mission was for the livestock and growing stuff to eat and sell.

What Does Colonization Mean?

Missions had several purposes Convert the Natives to the

Catholic faith Teach the natives to be subjects

of Spain (loyal to the government)

Daily Life In the Missions

Morning Prayers 30-60 minutes of Catholic school Worked in the field or workshops After evening meal, more prayers More Catholic school

Purpose

Missions were expected to: Be self supporting (grow, make

its own stuff) Make a profit$$$ for Spain Produce goods for export

( beads, artwork)

Tough Going

Missions were not all that successful.

Mission population shrank. Natives ran away because they

disliked mission life. It cost the Spanish government

$$$ to keep these missions going.

Some Success, though…

Some missions did thrive (do well) and eventually became major cities.

El Paso San Antonio

Other Important Facts

Many East Texas missions were named after Native Texan tribes

Consequences

Missions brought civilization and religion to Texas.

New diseases also came with the missionaries and colonists. The Native Texans had no immunities to these diseases, so many died of influenza and other simple illnesses.

Imagine…

The daily life of a Native Texan before the missionaries arrived.

Now imagine the life in a MISSION for a Native Texan after the missionaries arrived

Describe what that might have been like. Write two paragraphs comparing life before and after missionaries arrived.

Presidios

Provided military support for the missions, and later, settlements.

It protected missionaries and colonists from attacks by Native Americans.

Hasta Later!