Chapter 6Spanish Louisiana
Louisiana Creoles didn’t learn of Louisiana’s
transfer to Spain until a year after it happened.
Louisianans were loyal to France. Believed the change was a mistake.
Spanish Government Begins
France continued to run the colony even after
Spain’s ownership of it. Spain had little interest in Louisiana. Their first choice of governor did not help
matters!
Antonio de Ulloa
Ulloa was a world famous scientist, but was an
introvert. Not interested in the vibrant social scene in
Louisiana. Slipped into the colony with a few soldiers
quietly. Started making mistakes immediately.
Antonio de Ulloa
Antonio de Ulloa
Decided to forgo a formal public ceremony celebrating Louisiana’s Spanish ownership. Big mistake!
Moved into a home in Balize and raised the Spanish flag there instead of in New Orleans.
French flag flew in New Orleans for months after Ulloa arrived, while the Spanish flag hung in Belize.
Eventually hung the Spanish flag in New Orleans without a ceremony.
Spain warned Ulloa to move slowly and not make drastic
changes, so Ulloa allowed French government to stay. Charles Phillipe Aubry was replaced as governor but
remained the commander of the French soldiers. Ulloa ruled behind the scenes with Aubry as his
mouthpiece. Aubry was ordered by France to cooperate with the
Spanish. Ulloa also allowed the Superior Council to stay, causing
Louisianans to think that Ulloa was weak. The Superior Council thought that a public ceremony
was necessary to make the transfer legal.
French Government Remains
Unrest in the Colony
Ulloa continues to make mistakes!
Ulloa married a mestizo (half Spanish, half Indian)
The Superior Council believed she was part African due to her dark skin.
Intermarriage was illegal, so Ulloa broke the law.
Ulloa tried to lower prices to fix inflation, but French merchants hated being told how much to sell their goods for.
Merchants had to stop trading with anyone outside the Spanish empire, cutting off century old ties.
Hatred grew to the point of rebellion.
The Creole Revolution
On October 28, 1768, locals disabled cannons protecting New Orleans, beginning the Creole Revolution.
400 Creoles and German Coast residents stormed New Orleans. Ulloa was asked to leave so he went to Cuba to report the
incident. The Superior Council requested that the king of France take
Louisiana back, but there was never a reply.
24 ships with 2000 soldiers
arrived in Louisiana led by Don Alejandro O’Reilly, an Irishman who served the Spanish king.
Aubrey immediately gave O’Reilly the city, and O’Reilly wasted no time establishing Spanish control over New Orleans. Held a public ceremony and
used force O’Reilly set out to find the men
responsible for the Creole Revolution.
The Spanish Return
13 men were arrested for treason
and twelve were found guilty. 5 were killed by a firing squad and
6 were imprisoned. (one died before the trials)
The punished men were among the wealthiest and most influential in the city.
O’Reilly was nicknamed “Bloody O’Reilly” for his bold actions. Though disliked by the Creoles,
Spain’s authority was never seriously challenged again
Bloody O’Reilly
Left in control of the colony during Ulloa’s
governorship. Only person with the authority and force to try
and convince the revolutionaries to disband. They refused, and he didn’t force the issue
Considered a traitor for turning the leaders of the revolt over to O’Reilly.
Left the colony, but his ship sank in a storm.
Charles Philippe Aubry
The Spanish government was more efficient than the
French. Officials were trained for their job. Increased use of checks and balances.
Reduced political corruption and made it more difficult to engage in illegal activity
King-appointed governors and officials.
New Laws
Governor (appointed by the King)
2 Lieutenant Governors (also appointed)12 Districts (parishes) run by a Commandant
Reported to higher officials Enforced parish laws
Tried minor cases
The Indendant was the official in charge of economic affairs.
Hierarchy of Colonial Government
The Cabildo replaced the Superior
Council. City Council presided over by the
governor. Members were either appointed or
purchased their positions. Each member had specific
responsibilities. (i.e. tax collection or managing public works)
Passed laws and advised the governor. Appeals could be made to the Cabildo. Creoles were appointed to the Cabildo
to satisfy relations with the French.
The Cabildo
Cabildo referred to both the council and the building that housed them.
Improved Legal System
Laws and Appeals Customs of Paris was
replaced with the O’Reilly Code.
Anyone convicted of a crime has the right to an appeal.
Changes to the Code Noir
Slaves now have 30 minute lunch breaks and 2 hour dinner breaks.
Slave owners could free slaves at will.
Slaves could buy freedom Were allowed to work to earn
wages as long as it was shared with the owner.
Arbitrators settled disputes between owners and slaves.
Improved Legal System
Changes in the Code caused the number of freed slaves to increase.
1000 free slaves in New Orleans in a 25 year period. Most were craftsmen or
artisans Many became wealthy
and respected. Free slaves had to carry
manumissions to prove freedom.
French Culture Survives
Creoles began to appreciate Spanish rule
What O’Reilly Did: Established language
schools Helped the colony to
be more prosperous Set a precedent for
future governors
What O’Reilly Allowed: Did not force Creoles
to accept Spanish language or customs
Allowed to maintain French traditions as long as there was no conflict with Spanish law
Served as governor for
seven years Calm and easygoing man Married a local woman Established the first public
school Worked to heal wounds
created by the Creole Revolution
Luis de Unzaga
Unzaga’s primary goal was the
improvement of the economy. Although illegal, he allowed trade
with English vessels. Floating warehouses came down the
Mississippi River and trade necessary goods with Spanish Louisiana.
Action reduced smuggling and put more money into the economy.
New Orleans continued to be the center of business and trade activity.
Luis de Unzaga
Though Unzaga allowed trade
with England, he didn’t like them and secretly hoped the colonists would win the war.
Unzaga provided help to the revolutionaries through Oliver Pollock.
Pollock convinced Unzaga to sell gunpowder from the Spanish arsenal.
The American Revolution
Pollock worked in New Orleans as a
merchant and was given free trade status within the city because of his relationship with O’Reilly.
To help the colonists, Pollock sold flour at half price.
He directed the secret Spanish assistance to the Continental Congress.
Spanish guns, gunpowder, medicine, and cloth went to help the western front.
Oliver Pollock
Galvez’s strong military
background made him the ideal replacement for Unzaga.
Became governor of Louisiana at age 28.
Married to Unzaga’s sister-in-law. Very popular governor. Continued aid to the colonists
while Spain remained “neutral”. His part in the American
Revolution earned him a Spanish royal title and a statue in the United States capital.
Bernardo de Galvez
American James Willing launched a military raid on
British West Florida. He attacked English plantations around Natchez and
Baton Rouge. Burned, looted, stole private property, and captured an
English warship. Transported goods to New Orleans to sell. Galvez put in a difficult position.
Allowed some goods to be sold, but returned others. Demanded Willing leave the colony.
Action did more harm than good. Turned West Florida settlers back to Mother England.
The Willing Expedition
Officially Taking Sides
Galvez’s first official action was against English Fort Bute (Bayou Manchac) and Fort New Richmond (Baton Rouge). Left New Orleans on August 27, 1779
1500 man army included Spanish soldiers, Creoles, black militiamen, and Indians.
By September 7, 1779, Galvez and his men captured both forts.
Captured 28 British officers and 550 troops while he only lost one man and only two were wounded. The British had lost all forts along the
Mississippi in British West Florida.
Esteban Rodriguez Miro
Served as acting governor while Galvez fought the English. Officially became governor on
May 10, 1788 Very Intelligent
Spoke 7 languages Married a local woman Encouraged inoculation against
smallpox Advocated crop diversification Worked to prevent U.S. settlers
from occupying Spanish property
The population increased dramatically under the
Spanish. Colony protected gold and silver mines in Mexico Over 40 years, population grew from 7,500 to about
50,000. Land grants were a way the Spanish built the colony’s
population. Parcel of land promised to each family
Like long-lots, parcels were short along waterways, but were as deep as they chose to clear and cultivate
Also provided tools, a rooster, two hens, two pigs, and supplies for a year
The Colony Grows
Islenos were people from
the Canary Islands Life was hard in the islands
Ruled by harsh noblemen Severe weather caused
repeated crop failure Settled mostly in the areas
of St. Bernard, Ascension, and Plaquemines Parishes
Made their livings fishing and trapping
The Islenos
Settling Northeast Louisiana
Only a few French hunters and their families lived in the area when Miro became governor
Complained that the English and Indian allies were raiding the area.
Don Juan Filhiol (a Frenchman working under Miro) was sent with special directives: Assemble scattered inhabitants
into civilized settlements Bar Americans, English, and other
undesirables from the region Promote harmony with Indians
Filhiol established the Post de Ouachita and later became commandant of the area
Built Fort Miro on the site.
Settlers were slowly encouraged to the area
Kaintocks and Growing Tension on the River
Americans frequently traveled downriver for trade purposes Most from Kentucky Called Kaintocks by the
Creoles Rough frontiersmen who
drank too much and caused trouble in the area
Miro closed river to American trade
Policy was inconsistent
The Spanish Conspiracy
Miro unfortunately got mixed up with General James Wilkinson Ambitious and
untrustworthy Forced to resign from
American army Wilkinson denied loyalty to
the United States Tried to take Kentucky as
part of the Spanish Empire Tried to convince legislature Had Miro’s support
The Acadians
Who were they?
French speaking Catholic colonists
From French Canadian province of Acadia (modern-day Nova Scotia)
Not happy with English Protestant acquisition of province
Le Grande Derangement
Acadians refused to take loyalty oaths to English king
1755, the English governor called a meeting
A waiting army forced 6,000 colonists aboard ships and sent them all over the world
“The Great Upheaval” was a
traumatic event for the Acadians They lost homes, property and
livestock Some families were separated Boats traveled to France, the
Caribbean, and American Colonies Couldn’t find refuge- they were
unwanted Poor, uneducated farmers and
trappers Considered competition for the
few jobs available
Le Grand Derangement
The Acadians
Finding a Home
Spain was trying to populate the colony
Acadians would fit in with French culture that existed
Spain offered to pay their way to settle in Louisiana
As many as 10,000 Acadians settled between 1769-1785
Acadians and Cajuns
The word Acadian eventually changed to Cajun
Only people descended from the French Acadians are true Cajuns
Groups from other French descendants are not true Acadians
Longfellow heard of an Acadian couple separated
on their wedding day by Le Grand Derangement Tirelessly researched the plight of the Acadians
to compose his epic poem Tells the tale of Evageline and her fiance, Gabriel A 20th century writer claimed that the original
couple were Emmeline Labiche and Louis Arceneaux.
His modern recounting has the lovers reuniting in St. Martinville under a live oak tree.
The tree in St. Martinville has become a tourist attraction.
“Evangeline”
Introductory
THIS is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks, Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight, Stand like Druids of eld, with voices sad and prophetic, Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms. Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest. This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it Leaped like the roe, when he hears in the woodland the voice of the huntsman? Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers –
Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands, Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven? Waste are those pleasant farms, and the farmers forever departed! Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October Seize them, and whirl them aloft, and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean. Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pre. Ye who believe in affection that hopes, and endures, and is patient, Ye who believe in the beauty and strength of woman's devotion, List to the mournful tradition still sung by the pines of the forest; List to a Tale of Love in Acadie, home of the happy.
“Evangeline”
The New Orleans
Fires1788
On Good Friday, a priest accidentally knocked over a candle.
Church bells were used to alert fire department, but were not supposed to ring on Good Friday
By the tire authorities were alerted, chaos reigned
Fire department spoke French and the officials spoke Spanish
850 buildings (including the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral) were destroyed and 1000 people lost homes.
1794
In addition to 3 hurricanes, New Orleans was again ravished by fire.
Caused by boys setting fire to a pile of hay
Fewer buildings destroyed, but repairs were more costly.
Carondolet demanded that buildings over 1 story tall be made of brick.
Architecture changed to Spanish style. Most French Quarter buildings
are in Spanish style
Francisco Luis Hector, Baron de Carondolet
Born in France Served in the French
military Joined Spanish Army
under O’Reilly Established Louisiana's
first newspaper, "Le Moniteur“.
He made many improvements in the infrastructure of New Orleans
Boundary Disputes
Spain gained West Florida in the American Revolution, but the northern boundary was not clear. Spain and America both
claimed Natchez. Western Americans threatened
to attack New Orleans and secure the Mississippi River. Spain would lose Louisiana if
war erupted. American troops could easily
travel down river, but Spanish troops would have to come from Cuba.
The Treaty of San Lorenzo, or Pinckney’s Treaty was signed to avoid war.
Spain agreed to: set the boundary of
West Florida at 31° north latitude
reopen river to American trade
Give the United States right of deposit in New Orleans.
Immigration from Saint-
Domingue caused sharp increase in slave population
Fearing a rebellion, Carondolet loosened slave laws Slaves encouraged to lodge
complaints about cruel owners Owners were NOT happy
Slaves began challenging authority and starting work slowdowns.
Rumor had it that a rebellion was imminent.
Pointe Coupee Slave Rebellion
Soldiers moved quickly and began
making arrests. Twenty-three slaves hanged Thirty-one slaves flogged so severely
that only 4 survived. Whites that encouraged the rebellion
were banished from the area. Carondolet was blamed
Slaves were treated more harshly than before
Carondolet’s new order put slaves under the authority of all white people.
Pointe Coupee Slave Rebellion
Spain’s Economic Success
Sugar First grown for syrup, sugar
quickly became the largest cash crop in the colony.
Etienne de Bore, a sugarcane plantation owner, developed a better/easier method for granulating sugar.
Increased demand for sugar which made it more profitable.
Perique Tobacco Fur trading and logging
were still important, but farming became the most important industry.
Perique tobacco, a new crop, became very profitable
At its peak, almost one million pounds of perique tobacco were exported from the colony.
Land Grants
Marquis de Maison Rouge
Received a large land grant near the end of Carondolet’s term.
Promised to bring in hundreds of settlers.
Only a few families came
Baron de Bastrop Granted the largest land grant in
Louisiana history (over 1 million acres) All of modern day Morehouse
Parish and most of West Carroll Parish
Did not deliver the number of settlers promised
Eventually sold the land
• Though they didn’t meet their quotas, both Maison Rouge and Bastrop brought in many families.
• Most were Americans who brough English culture to Northeast Louisiana
The French Revolution
The French Revolution marked a 10 year period where working-class people rose up against the French aristocracy.
Thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were beheaded.
To avoid the violence, many French people came to Louisiana.
To distinguish the new French from the Creoles, Louisianans began calling them Foreign French.
Worried that the Creole support of the Revolution would lead to a rebellion here, Carondolet brought in more soldiers, strengthened the defenses in New Orleans, and began arresting (and sometimes deporting) those believed to be responsible for the unrest.
Napoleon Bonaparte
French general- emerged from Revolution as France’s dictator.
Wanted to rebuild the French empire in America.
Planned to turn Saint-Domingue into a giant sugarcane plantation.
Needed Louisiana back to grow food to feed the slave labor.
Napoleon forced Spain to give Louisiana back to France. Spain’s military was too weak to go up against Napoleon’s
batallions. Napoleon promised to make the Spanish king’s son-in-law
minor royalty. Spain was to continue running the colony until Napoleon could
send in enough troops. Thomas Jefferson heard of the treaty and became concerned. Napoleon was aggressive and powerful. American right of deposit was revoked.
Seen as a sign of aggression United States could not defeat France in war.
Jefferson decided to buy the Isle of Orleans. Save the economy of the western U.S.
Treaty of San Ildefonso
Robert Livingston, ambassador to France,
was sent to negotiate the sale of the Isle of Orleans. Napoleon refused- wanted to build an empire
When James Monroe went to assist Livingston he learned Napoleon had a change of heart. He wanted to sell ALL of Louisiana
Wanted to wage a new war against England- needed money.
Lost Saint Domingue due to a slave rebellion. Without the sugarcane plantation, he did not
need the colony.
Negotiating a Deal
Livingston and Monroe
agreed that purchasing the entire colony was a better value than just the Isle of Orleans.
Only authorized $10 million to buy the Isle of Orleans.
Decided to go against orders and pay $15 million for the entire territory.
The Louisiana Purchase
Negotiations with the Marquis de Barbe-
Marbois were finalized and the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed on April 30, 1803.
Jefferson was very pleased with the deal. Jefferson arranged to borrow the $15 million
from England to pay for the territory. England essentially financed war against
themselves. For less than four cents per acre, the United
States doubled in size. 15 states were eventually created from this
land This was the first land acquisition our nation
negotiated.
The Louisiana Purchase
Assimilating became a major reason for opposition of the
Louisiana Purchase. Most of the nation were English speaking Protestants. How would 50,000 French speaking Catholics fit in?
Louisianans were confused and worried after the purchase. They had enjoyed prosperity under the Spanish. Their only association with Americans (Kaintocks) was not
favorable. William C.C. Claiborne was sent by Jefferson to serve as
territorial governor and smooth the way. General James Wilkinson was sent to protect the newly
acquired land.
Another New Culture
A ceremony was held to mark the transition
from Spanish to French ownership. Less than three weeks later, a second
ceremony was held in the Place d’Armes to mark the transfer from French to American rule.
Three Flags in Three Weeks