Which group sent missionaries to the Americas?

When was the first Spanish mission established in Texas?

Who is known as the “Father of the Lower Rio Grande” because he established several cities that still exist today?

Fill in the blank:

The __________ led a group of American Indians that took control of Texas from the Spanish missions.

Read the passage:

Spain’s primary goal for Texas was to spread its religion. The Spanish wanted to share their beliefs with the indigenous population of the area. Many Spanish explorers often brought missionaries with them on their expeditions.

“Spain’s Goals for Texas”

How did Spain fulfill its primary goal for Texas?

Read the passage from “Daily Life in Spanish Missions” and answer the question:

The missions were responsible for supporting themselves. The settlers in each mission had to grow or raise their own food, make their own tools and clothing, and build their own facilities. Most missions included a large garden or ample farmland to grow crops needed for survival. Corn was the most important crop grown at the missions. It grew well in many regions of Texas and could be milled to make flour and cornmeal. Other crops grown at the missions included sugarcane, cotton, beans, melons, and pumpkins.

Why was corn considered the most important crop?

Read the passage from "Encounters" and answer the question:

The culture, traditions, and structure of the tribes of Texas were very different from the Spanish rules, laws, and customs. Many tribes in Texas traveled throughout the year based on animal migration patterns and the seasons. They were unwilling to permanently settle in one place. Those that chose to live in the missions were forced to abandon their customs and beliefs and adopt those of the Spanish. The tribes also had to deal with European diseases. Thousands of American Indians died of smallpox and other diseases that they had no immunity to. 

Why did Texas tribes not form permanent settlements?

Read the passage from “Presidios, Pueblos, and Ranchos” and answer the question: 

In 1752, Captain Blas María de la Garza Falcón established the first rancho in Texas. His rancho, which he named Rancho Carnestolendas, was located along the Rio Grande in southern Texas. Many of these early ranchos eventually grew into larger settlements and cities that we recognize today, including Rio Grande City.

What was the purpose of ranchos?

Read the passage from “Spain’s Goals for Texas” and answer the question:

Franciscan missionaries attempted to establish missions in western Texas but were unsuccessful. This was due to the area's remote location and distance from other Spanish settlements. Several Spanish explorers led expeditions through Texas looking for riches and trade routes. Unfortunately, they returned to New Spain empty handed or failed to return at all. These failures led the Spanish government to abandon its plans to establish settlements in Texas until the late 1600s.

Which of the following correctly lists the reasons why the Spanish government abandoned Texas?

Which of the following were settlements created for Spanish settlers who were not soldiers, priests, or missionaries?