California History and Missionary Impact

California's history is a rich tapestry, from Native American tribes to Spanish and Mexican rule, and finally becoming a US state. The Gold Rush significantly boosted its population and economy. Today, California is a diverse and dynamic state, shaped by its complex past.

What is one of the key factors that makes California comparable to another country?

• Its isolation from other states

• Its lack of natural resources

• Its large population and economy

• Its small size

Who was the first known European to reach the coast of California?

• Christopher Columbus

• Francis Drake

• Sebastian Vizcaino

• Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

What was the primary goal of the Franciscan missionaries in Alta California?

• To find gold

• To convert the indigenous population to Christianity

• To establish trade routes

• To build military forts

Which city was NOT mentioned as being established during the Spanish mission period?

• Santa Barbara

• Los Angeles

• San Francisco

• Monterey

What was a major challenge faced by the Spanish missionaries in Alta California?

• Lack of interest from the indigenous population

• Frequent attacks by pirates

• Competition from French colonists

• Shortages of crucial goods and disease

What significant change occurred in Alta California in 1821?

• It became a Mexican territory

• It was abandoned by the Spanish

• It became a British colony

• It gained independence from Mexico

What was the outcome of the Bear Flag Revolt?

• California was divided into two separate territories

• California became an independent republic

• California remained under Mexican control

• California became a possession of the United States

What event in 1848 significantly increased California's population?

• The end of the Mexican-American War

• The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad

• The California Gold Rush

• The discovery of oil

What was the impact of the Gold Rush on California's development?

• It resulted in California's secession from the United States

• It led to California's economic downturn

• It caused a decline in population

• It brought prosperity and rapid population growth

By the mid-20th century, what was California's status in terms of population?

• It had a stable population with no growth

• It was the least populated state

• It had a declining population

• It was the largest state in terms of population