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Spanish settlement in texas. 1650-1800. France vs. Spain. Two of the most powerful countries in Europe Both wanted control of Texas, but needed to occupy land Spain had explored Texas for gold and found none. France Claimed Land.
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Spanish settlement in texas 1650-1800
France vs. Spain • Two of the most powerful countries in Europe • Both wanted control of Texas, but needed to occupy land • Spain had explored Texas for gold and found none
France Claimed Land • La Salle claimed the Mississippi River and all the land it watered and all its branches for France
LaSalle • In 1685 La Salle could not find the mouth of the Mississippi, so he sailed on to Texas
French and Spanish Claims • Texas lay between Spanish Texas and French Louisiana
Spanish Missions Established to help settle Texas • Spain’s 1st mission in Texas was Corpus Christi de la Ysleta near present-day El Paso in 1682 • In 1690, The Viceroy of New Spain sent DeLeon and Massanet to establish missions in East Texas because the Caddoes there were so friendly and close to French land • East Texas Missions failed due to distance from Mexico City, disease, and drought
France Returns • France built trading posts in what is now Mississippi and Alabama • St. Denis crossed the Rio Grande at a Priest’s request and was arrested by the Spanish
Spain Reclaims East Texas • In 1716 Spain built several new Missions in east Texas • In 1716 the settlement of Nacogdoches was established • In order to succeed, the missions would need a steady source of supplies • Part way between Mexico City and east Texas Missions—In 1718 Mission San Antonio de Valero was established at the San Antonio River (later became the Alamo)
Spain Demonstrates Weak Hold on Texas • Missions were not successful due to lack of interest by the Native Texans • Mission life was too confining and too different from their way of life • Chicken War made Spanish look foolish
France Loses the Race for Texas • Marques de Aguayo was sent by the Spanish to reopen the failed Missions which he stocked well with supplies • He also set up Mission Adeas which was considered the “eyes and ears” for French activity • Aguayo set up strong Presidios with brass cannons and many soldiers to show Spanish force • In all 10 Missions and 4 Presidios were in operation
Spain Continues to Settle Texas • Canary Island families move to San Antonio • Some Missions move from east Texas to San Antonio and Goliad • French continue trading with Native Texans • Missions were established in Central Texas, but failed
Mission San Saba is established in northwest Texas, but is destroyed by the Comanches
More Missions Established • Count Jose de Escandon established missions in South Texas settling 6000 people in 20 towns
With France No Longer a Threat: • Marques de Rubi was sent by the Spanish King to inspect the Spanish lands • He recommended that all Missions be closed except in San Antonio and Goliad • East Texas settlers continued to live in Nacogdoches, but with little protection • San Antonio becomes the largest settlement in Texas with Nacogdoches as second largest