What made spanish own cattle in texas more value beginning in seventeen seventy nine
One main factor that made Spanish-owned cattle in Texas more valuable beginning in 1779 was the growing demand for cattle in other parts of Spanish America. This demand was primarily driven by Spanish colonies in the Caribbean, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic, which were experiencing a boom in sugar production. Cattle were needed to provide both meat and labor in these sugar plantations.
Another reason for the increased value of Spanish-owned cattle was the limited supply of livestock in Spanish America. The Spanish crown had implemented restrictions on cattle trade and breeding to maintain monopolistic control over the industry, limiting competition and ensuring higher prices for cattle.
Additionally, the vast and open grasslands of Texas provided ideal conditions for cattle ranching. The Spanish settlers in Texas, known as Tejanos, began to establish large-scale ranches called "ranchos" to raise cattle. These ranchos were able to expand and flourish due to the availability of land and the presence of abundant natural resources, such as water and grass.
The combination of high demand, limited supply, and favorable environmental conditions ultimately made Spanish-owned cattle in Texas more valuable during this period.