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

Missions Presidios Pueblos Ranchos

***All of these settlements—especially the missions and presidios—strengthened Spain’s claim on Texas.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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