Missions & the Columbian Exchange

Chapter 2 Section 3 (Pt II)

Catholic Missions• The Spanish King did not want the Native pop. destroyed, they wanted

control the Natives by making them:– Tax-paying subjects– Catholic converts

• To accomplish this, the Spanish sent Catholic missionaries all over New Spain– In Mexico & CA, the church built a series of missions

• These settlements included:– Church– Pueblo – Farming village– Presidio – Fort/Barracks

• The focus of these missions were twofold:– 1. Convert Natives – this also involved teaching them to read & write– 2. Food Production – Natives were used to do this work

• Many modern day cities in Mexico & the SW U.S. started as missions

Test Question

• What was the main goal of Spanish missions in America?a. To teach Natives how to read & writeb. To convert Natives to Christianity & increase

Spanish controlc. To treat Natives as equals & give them land to

farmd. None of the Above

Bartolome De Las CasasNative American slavery is

WRONG, but hmm…what about Africans???

Bartolome de Las Casas– Bartolome de las Casas, a Catholic priest, worked to end the mistreatment

of Natives• Ironically, at one time he had enslaved Natives

– He took part in the conquest of Cuba in 1512– In return for his service, he was given a hacienda/encomienda

» Seeing slavery firsthand caused BdlC to reevaluate» He decided that one couldn’t serve God & enslave Natives

• For the next 50 years, he attempted to convince the King to pass a law banning Native enslavement– The King finally agreed in 1542, but the law was ignored &

eventually reversed• One major legacy of BdlC’s fight was his suggestion on how to replace

the Native workforce– He proposed that Africans be brought in b/c:

» A slave system already existed in Africa» Africans had been exposed to Europeans & were immune to

their diseases

The Columbian Exchange• After Columbus’ arrival plants, animals, & diseases were introduced to both

the Eastern & Western Hemispheres for the first time• The major negative effect of this exchange was disease• Diseases, the most negative effect, wiped out many Native groups

– Smallpox, measles, and the Flu killed an estimated:» 20 million in Mexico alone» 90 – 95% of the pops. of Central America & Peru

• Not all of the effects of the Columbian Exchange were negative– European livestock & crops were introduced to America:

• Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, & Horses added new dietary & transportation advantages

• European grains & produce diversified diets as well– American products also greatly benefited Europe

• Potatoes & corn became staple crops – Potatoes, especially, led to a rapid rise in Europe’s pop.

Test Question

• Which of the following was NOT part of the Columbian Exchange?a. Plantsb. Animalsc. Slavesd. Diseases