Chapter 6Spanish Louisiana

Louisiana Creoles didn’t learn of Louisiana’s

transfer to Spain until a year after it happened.

Louisianans were loyal to France. Believed the change was a mistake.

Spanish Government Begins

France continued to run the colony even after

Spain’s ownership of it. Spain had little interest in Louisiana. Their first choice of governor did not help

matters!

Antonio de Ulloa

Ulloa was a world famous scientist, but was an

introvert. Not interested in the vibrant social scene in

Louisiana. Slipped into the colony with a few soldiers

quietly. Started making mistakes immediately.

Antonio de Ulloa

Antonio de Ulloa

Decided to forgo a formal public ceremony celebrating Louisiana’s Spanish ownership. Big mistake!

Moved into a home in Balize and raised the Spanish flag there instead of in New Orleans.

French flag flew in New Orleans for months after Ulloa arrived, while the Spanish flag hung in Belize.

Eventually hung the Spanish flag in New Orleans without a ceremony.

Spain warned Ulloa to move slowly and not make drastic

changes, so Ulloa allowed French government to stay. Charles Phillipe Aubry was replaced as governor but

remained the commander of the French soldiers. Ulloa ruled behind the scenes with Aubry as his

mouthpiece. Aubry was ordered by France to cooperate with the

Spanish. Ulloa also allowed the Superior Council to stay, causing

Louisianans to think that Ulloa was weak. The Superior Council thought that a public ceremony

was necessary to make the transfer legal.

French Government Remains

Unrest in the Colony

Ulloa continues to make mistakes!

Ulloa married a mestizo (half Spanish, half Indian)

The Superior Council believed she was part African due to her dark skin.

Intermarriage was illegal, so Ulloa broke the law.

Ulloa tried to lower prices to fix inflation, but French merchants hated being told how much to sell their goods for.

Merchants had to stop trading with anyone outside the Spanish empire, cutting off century old ties.

Hatred grew to the point of rebellion.

The Creole Revolution

On October 28, 1768, locals disabled cannons protecting New Orleans, beginning the Creole Revolution.

400 Creoles and German Coast residents stormed New Orleans. Ulloa was asked to leave so he went to Cuba to report the

incident. The Superior Council requested that the king of France take

Louisiana back, but there was never a reply.

24 ships with 2000 soldiers

arrived in Louisiana led by Don Alejandro O’Reilly, an Irishman who served the Spanish king.

Aubrey immediately gave O’Reilly the city, and O’Reilly wasted no time establishing Spanish control over New Orleans. Held a public ceremony and

used force O’Reilly set out to find the men

responsible for the Creole Revolution.

The Spanish Return

13 men were arrested for treason

and twelve were found guilty. 5 were killed by a firing squad and

6 were imprisoned. (one died before the trials)

The punished men were among the wealthiest and most influential in the city.

O’Reilly was nicknamed “Bloody O’Reilly” for his bold actions. Though disliked by the Creoles,

Spain’s authority was never seriously challenged again

Bloody O’Reilly

Left in control of the colony during Ulloa’s

governorship. Only person with the authority and force to try

and convince the revolutionaries to disband. They refused, and he didn’t force the issue

Considered a traitor for turning the leaders of the revolt over to O’Reilly.

Left the colony, but his ship sank in a storm.

Charles Philippe Aubry

The Spanish government was more efficient than the

French. Officials were trained for their job. Increased use of checks and balances.

Reduced political corruption and made it more difficult to engage in illegal activity

King-appointed governors and officials.

New Laws

Governor (appointed by the King)

2 Lieutenant Governors (also appointed)12 Districts (parishes) run by a Commandant

Reported to higher officials Enforced parish laws

Tried minor cases

The Indendant was the official in charge of economic affairs.

Hierarchy of Colonial Government

The Cabildo replaced the Superior

Council. City Council presided over by the

governor. Members were either appointed or

purchased their positions. Each member had specific

responsibilities. (i.e. tax collection or managing public works)

Passed laws and advised the governor. Appeals could be made to the Cabildo. Creoles were appointed to the Cabildo

to satisfy relations with the French.

The Cabildo

Cabildo referred to both the council and the building that housed them.

Improved Legal System

Laws and Appeals Customs of Paris was

replaced with the O’Reilly Code.

Anyone convicted of a crime has the right to an appeal.

Changes to the Code Noir

Slaves now have 30 minute lunch breaks and 2 hour dinner breaks.

Slave owners could free slaves at will.

Slaves could buy freedom Were allowed to work to earn

wages as long as it was shared with the owner.

Arbitrators settled disputes between owners and slaves.

Improved Legal System

Changes in the Code caused the number of freed slaves to increase.

1000 free slaves in New Orleans in a 25 year period. Most were craftsmen or

artisans Many became wealthy

and respected. Free slaves had to carry

manumissions to prove freedom.

French Culture Survives

Creoles began to appreciate Spanish rule

What O’Reilly Did: Established language

schools Helped the colony to

be more prosperous Set a precedent for

future governors

What O’Reilly Allowed: Did not force Creoles

to accept Spanish language or customs

Allowed to maintain French traditions as long as there was no conflict with Spanish law

Served as governor for

seven years Calm and easygoing man Married a local woman Established the first public

school Worked to heal wounds

created by the Creole Revolution

Luis de Unzaga

Unzaga’s primary goal was the

improvement of the economy. Although illegal, he allowed trade

with English vessels. Floating warehouses came down the

Mississippi River and trade necessary goods with Spanish Louisiana.

Action reduced smuggling and put more money into the economy.

New Orleans continued to be the center of business and trade activity.

Luis de Unzaga

Though Unzaga allowed trade

with England, he didn’t like them and secretly hoped the colonists would win the war.

Unzaga provided help to the revolutionaries through Oliver Pollock.

Pollock convinced Unzaga to sell gunpowder from the Spanish arsenal.

The American Revolution

Pollock worked in New Orleans as a

merchant and was given free trade status within the city because of his relationship with O’Reilly.

To help the colonists, Pollock sold flour at half price.

He directed the secret Spanish assistance to the Continental Congress.

Spanish guns, gunpowder, medicine, and cloth went to help the western front.

Oliver Pollock

Galvez’s strong military

background made him the ideal replacement for Unzaga.

Became governor of Louisiana at age 28.

Married to Unzaga’s sister-in-law. Very popular governor. Continued aid to the colonists

while Spain remained “neutral”. His part in the American

Revolution earned him a Spanish royal title and a statue in the United States capital.

Bernardo de Galvez

American James Willing launched a military raid on

British West Florida. He attacked English plantations around Natchez and

Baton Rouge. Burned, looted, stole private property, and captured an

English warship. Transported goods to New Orleans to sell. Galvez put in a difficult position.

Allowed some goods to be sold, but returned others. Demanded Willing leave the colony.

Action did more harm than good. Turned West Florida settlers back to Mother England.

The Willing Expedition

Officially Taking Sides

Galvez’s first official action was against English Fort Bute (Bayou Manchac) and Fort New Richmond (Baton Rouge). Left New Orleans on August 27, 1779

1500 man army included Spanish soldiers, Creoles, black militiamen, and Indians.

By September 7, 1779, Galvez and his men captured both forts.

Captured 28 British officers and 550 troops while he only lost one man and only two were wounded. The British had lost all forts along the

Mississippi in British West Florida.

Esteban Rodriguez Miro

Served as acting governor while Galvez fought the English. Officially became governor on

May 10, 1788 Very Intelligent

Spoke 7 languages Married a local woman Encouraged inoculation against

smallpox Advocated crop diversification Worked to prevent U.S. settlers

from occupying Spanish property

The population increased dramatically under the

Spanish. Colony protected gold and silver mines in Mexico Over 40 years, population grew from 7,500 to about

50,000. Land grants were a way the Spanish built the colony’s

population. Parcel of land promised to each family

Like long-lots, parcels were short along waterways, but were as deep as they chose to clear and cultivate

Also provided tools, a rooster, two hens, two pigs, and supplies for a year

The Colony Grows

Islenos were people from

the Canary Islands Life was hard in the islands

Ruled by harsh noblemen Severe weather caused

repeated crop failure Settled mostly in the areas

of St. Bernard, Ascension, and Plaquemines Parishes

Made their livings fishing and trapping

The Islenos

Settling Northeast Louisiana

Only a few French hunters and their families lived in the area when Miro became governor

Complained that the English and Indian allies were raiding the area.

Don Juan Filhiol (a Frenchman working under Miro) was sent with special directives: Assemble scattered inhabitants

into civilized settlements Bar Americans, English, and other

undesirables from the region Promote harmony with Indians

Filhiol established the Post de Ouachita and later became commandant of the area

Built Fort Miro on the site.

Settlers were slowly encouraged to the area

Kaintocks and Growing Tension on the River

Americans frequently traveled downriver for trade purposes Most from Kentucky Called Kaintocks by the

Creoles Rough frontiersmen who

drank too much and caused trouble in the area

Miro closed river to American trade

Policy was inconsistent

The Spanish Conspiracy

Miro unfortunately got mixed up with General James Wilkinson Ambitious and

untrustworthy Forced to resign from

American army Wilkinson denied loyalty to

the United States Tried to take Kentucky as

part of the Spanish Empire Tried to convince legislature Had Miro’s support

The Acadians

Who were they?

French speaking Catholic colonists

From French Canadian province of Acadia (modern-day Nova Scotia)

Not happy with English Protestant acquisition of province

Le Grande Derangement

Acadians refused to take loyalty oaths to English king

1755, the English governor called a meeting

A waiting army forced 6,000 colonists aboard ships and sent them all over the world

“The Great Upheaval” was a

traumatic event for the Acadians They lost homes, property and

livestock Some families were separated Boats traveled to France, the

Caribbean, and American Colonies Couldn’t find refuge- they were

unwanted Poor, uneducated farmers and

trappers Considered competition for the

few jobs available

Le Grand Derangement

The Acadians

Finding a Home

Spain was trying to populate the colony

Acadians would fit in with French culture that existed

Spain offered to pay their way to settle in Louisiana

As many as 10,000 Acadians settled between 1769-1785

Acadians and Cajuns

The word Acadian eventually changed to Cajun

Only people descended from the French Acadians are true Cajuns

Groups from other French descendants are not true Acadians

Longfellow heard of an Acadian couple separated

on their wedding day by Le Grand Derangement Tirelessly researched the plight of the Acadians

to compose his epic poem Tells the tale of Evageline and her fiance, Gabriel A 20th century writer claimed that the original

couple were Emmeline Labiche and Louis Arceneaux.

His modern recounting has the lovers reuniting in St. Martinville under a live oak tree.

The tree in St. Martinville has become a tourist attraction.

“Evangeline”

Introductory

THIS is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks, Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight, Stand like Druids of eld, with voices sad and prophetic, Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms. Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep-voiced neighboring ocean Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest. This is the forest primeval; but where are the hearts that beneath it Leaped like the roe, when he hears in the woodland the voice of the huntsman? Where is the thatch-roofed village, the home of Acadian farmers –

Men whose lives glided on like rivers that water the woodlands, Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven? Waste are those pleasant farms, and the farmers forever departed! Scattered like dust and leaves, when the mighty blasts of October Seize them, and whirl them aloft, and sprinkle them far o'er the ocean. Naught but tradition remains of the beautiful village of Grand-Pre. Ye who believe in affection that hopes, and endures, and is patient, Ye who believe in the beauty and strength of woman's devotion, List to the mournful tradition still sung by the pines of the forest; List to a Tale of Love in Acadie, home of the happy.

“Evangeline”

The New Orleans

Fires1788

On Good Friday, a priest accidentally knocked over a candle.

Church bells were used to alert fire department, but were not supposed to ring on Good Friday

By the tire authorities were alerted, chaos reigned

Fire department spoke French and the officials spoke Spanish

850 buildings (including the Cabildo and St. Louis Cathedral) were destroyed and 1000 people lost homes.

1794

In addition to 3 hurricanes, New Orleans was again ravished by fire.

Caused by boys setting fire to a pile of hay

Fewer buildings destroyed, but repairs were more costly.

Carondolet demanded that buildings over 1 story tall be made of brick.

Architecture changed to Spanish style. Most French Quarter buildings

are in Spanish style

Francisco Luis Hector, Baron de Carondolet

Born in France Served in the French

military Joined Spanish Army

under O’Reilly Established Louisiana's

first newspaper, "Le Moniteur“.

He made many improvements in the infrastructure of New Orleans

Boundary Disputes

Spain gained West Florida in the American Revolution, but the northern boundary was not clear. Spain and America both

claimed Natchez. Western Americans threatened

to attack New Orleans and secure the Mississippi River. Spain would lose Louisiana if

war erupted. American troops could easily

travel down river, but Spanish troops would have to come from Cuba.

The Treaty of San Lorenzo, or Pinckney’s Treaty was signed to avoid war.

Spain agreed to: set the boundary of

West Florida at 31° north latitude

reopen river to American trade

Give the United States right of deposit in New Orleans.

Immigration from Saint-

Domingue caused sharp increase in slave population

Fearing a rebellion, Carondolet loosened slave laws Slaves encouraged to lodge

complaints about cruel owners Owners were NOT happy

Slaves began challenging authority and starting work slowdowns.

Rumor had it that a rebellion was imminent.

Pointe Coupee Slave Rebellion

Soldiers moved quickly and began

making arrests. Twenty-three slaves hanged Thirty-one slaves flogged so severely

that only 4 survived. Whites that encouraged the rebellion

were banished from the area. Carondolet was blamed

Slaves were treated more harshly than before

Carondolet’s new order put slaves under the authority of all white people.

Pointe Coupee Slave Rebellion

Spain’s Economic Success

Sugar First grown for syrup, sugar

quickly became the largest cash crop in the colony.

Etienne de Bore, a sugarcane plantation owner, developed a better/easier method for granulating sugar.

Increased demand for sugar which made it more profitable.

Perique Tobacco Fur trading and logging

were still important, but farming became the most important industry.

Perique tobacco, a new crop, became very profitable

At its peak, almost one million pounds of perique tobacco were exported from the colony.

Land Grants

Marquis de Maison Rouge

Received a large land grant near the end of Carondolet’s term.

Promised to bring in hundreds of settlers.

Only a few families came

Baron de Bastrop Granted the largest land grant in

Louisiana history (over 1 million acres) All of modern day Morehouse

Parish and most of West Carroll Parish

Did not deliver the number of settlers promised

Eventually sold the land

• Though they didn’t meet their quotas, both Maison Rouge and Bastrop brought in many families.

• Most were Americans who brough English culture to Northeast Louisiana

The French Revolution

The French Revolution marked a 10 year period where working-class people rose up against the French aristocracy.

Thousands of people, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were beheaded.

To avoid the violence, many French people came to Louisiana.

To distinguish the new French from the Creoles, Louisianans began calling them Foreign French.

Worried that the Creole support of the Revolution would lead to a rebellion here, Carondolet brought in more soldiers, strengthened the defenses in New Orleans, and began arresting (and sometimes deporting) those believed to be responsible for the unrest.

Napoleon Bonaparte

French general- emerged from Revolution as France’s dictator.

Wanted to rebuild the French empire in America.

Planned to turn Saint-Domingue into a giant sugarcane plantation.

Needed Louisiana back to grow food to feed the slave labor.

Napoleon forced Spain to give Louisiana back to France. Spain’s military was too weak to go up against Napoleon’s

batallions. Napoleon promised to make the Spanish king’s son-in-law

minor royalty. Spain was to continue running the colony until Napoleon could

send in enough troops. Thomas Jefferson heard of the treaty and became concerned. Napoleon was aggressive and powerful. American right of deposit was revoked.

Seen as a sign of aggression United States could not defeat France in war.

Jefferson decided to buy the Isle of Orleans. Save the economy of the western U.S.

Treaty of San Ildefonso

Robert Livingston, ambassador to France,

was sent to negotiate the sale of the Isle of Orleans. Napoleon refused- wanted to build an empire

When James Monroe went to assist Livingston he learned Napoleon had a change of heart. He wanted to sell ALL of Louisiana

Wanted to wage a new war against England- needed money.

Lost Saint Domingue due to a slave rebellion. Without the sugarcane plantation, he did not

need the colony.

Negotiating a Deal

Livingston and Monroe

agreed that purchasing the entire colony was a better value than just the Isle of Orleans.

Only authorized $10 million to buy the Isle of Orleans.

Decided to go against orders and pay $15 million for the entire territory.

The Louisiana Purchase

Negotiations with the Marquis de Barbe-

Marbois were finalized and the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed on April 30, 1803.

Jefferson was very pleased with the deal. Jefferson arranged to borrow the $15 million

from England to pay for the territory. England essentially financed war against

themselves. For less than four cents per acre, the United

States doubled in size. 15 states were eventually created from this

land This was the first land acquisition our nation

negotiated.

The Louisiana Purchase

Assimilating became a major reason for opposition of the

Louisiana Purchase. Most of the nation were English speaking Protestants. How would 50,000 French speaking Catholics fit in?

Louisianans were confused and worried after the purchase. They had enjoyed prosperity under the Spanish. Their only association with Americans (Kaintocks) was not

favorable. William C.C. Claiborne was sent by Jefferson to serve as

territorial governor and smooth the way. General James Wilkinson was sent to protect the newly

acquired land.

Another New Culture

A ceremony was held to mark the transition

from Spanish to French ownership. Less than three weeks later, a second

ceremony was held in the Place d’Armes to mark the transfer from French to American rule.

Three Flags in Three Weeks