Mission System in California

When did the mission period end?

Spain started losing interest in California in the 1780s. They hadn’t found gold there, and it was very expensive to keep the harbor open. They also needed as much money as they could for the war they were fighting against Mexico.

Multiple Choice

What country was Spain fighting against?

• Guatemala

• Mexico

• England

Mexico gains independence from Spain,

In 1821, Mexico won this war and its independence from Spain. The Mexican government was not interested in keeping the missions open. They transferred the missions from the Catholic church to the towns. This was called secularization.

When Mexico became independent in 1821, its borders reached from Oregon Country to Louisiana, making it slightly greater in area than the United States. This would change after the U.S. annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War.

Multiple Choice

What happened to the Mission's and all the properties?

• The land was given back to natives

• the Mexican government transferred the missions from the Catholic church to the towns

• they became abandoned

• The Mexican government converted them into shopping centers.

Multiple Choice

California was once part of what counrty?

• Texas

• Mexico

• France

Multiple Select

Did Mexico win the war and gain independence?

• yes

• no

• they divided the land

• they made a treaty

What were Ranchos?

In 1834, to encourage settlers in California, the government loaned land to Mexican soldiers. These plots of land were called ranchos. Ranchos were places where people raised livestock. Other Mexicans who belonged to the Catholic church could apply for a land grant of their own. Unlike in other parts of North America, women could be land owners.  

Rancheros were very skillful horse riders. They rode horses wherever they went. Vaqueros were cowboys who worked on the ranch. They often had exhibitions to show their strength and skill on a horse.. 

Multiple Choice

Who were vaqueros?

• Skilled cowboys who worked in the ranchos

• cowboys

• Spanish soldiers who stayed

Multiple Choice

What did people do on ranchos?

• held horse races

• raised livestock

• rented them out on air bnb

What was life like for the Rancheros and Native Americans?

People who owned ranchos were called rancheros. Their families were very important to them. Children did not go to school. Boys were taught to ride horses and to have good manners. Girls were taught to sew and dance. Most people in the rancho period could not read or write. Many Native Americans lived and worked on the ranchos for little food, shelter, and clothing. They did most of the work and were treated badly just like they were on the Missions.. But unlike Missions, Native Americans were not forced to stay at the ranchos. They lived in a small village near the ranch house

Open Ended

Compare and contrast what life was like on a mission verses a ranch for a Native American.