The Spanish Mission System

PurposeKEEP OUT!

• To keep England and France out of the New World.

PurposeBe Like Us or Else!

• To control the Native Americans– Change their clothes, religion, and language to

match Spain.– Native Americans MUST convert to the Spanish

culture or be killed or enslaved.

Method of SettlementHow it is Done

1. Presidio (Police Station) -> Soldiers2. Mission (Church) -> Spanish priests convert the

Native Americans to Catholicism.3. Central Plaza (Town Center) -> Similar to towns

in Spain where markets and government buildings are located.

4. Male Dominated (Men in Charge) -> Priests, soldiers, government officials are men.

5. Population (People ) -> Native Americans are main population followed by the families of soldiers.

ESPN Impact of the Presidio

• Economic: The presidio helps Spain gain wealth by maintaining control of the territory.

• Social: Soldiers marry Native American women which begins the mestizo (Spanish/Indian) culture.

ESPN Impact of the Mission

• Economic: Farming, ranching, trade centers.• Social: Education, language, religion.• Political: Helps control the territory by

creating a government structure.

Missions to RememberIMPORTANT!

• (1686) Mission Corpus Christi de la Ysleta– 1st Mission in Texas.

• (1718) San Antonio de Bexar/de Valero is founded (built)– de Bexar =Presidio– de Valero = mission (The Alamo)