Test 1 Flashcards
How might California’s “climate” best be described?
Varied. Includes Mediterranean, semiarid or steppe, desert, alpine.
What geographical realities slowed both Spanish and American settlement of CA?
TODO
How extensive was agriculture in California before the American period?
Non-existent. Indians didn’t do any.
Assess the significance of geographical isolation in the development of California Indian culture.
Created isolated groups. Provincialism.
To what extent were the food, population, and material culture of the Californian Indians determined by the natural resources of the region? Did their cultures suit their environments?
Very. Yes. Details?
How important was hunting and gathering to California Natives? Briefly explain the similarities and differences among the various Indian “culture areas” of California.
Very. ???
Why did the “Digger” legend persist in California?
Belief in this made it easier to justify taking their land.
How large was the California Indian population at the time of first Spanish settlement? How did this compare to population density in other regions of the US?
300,000. ???
What was the function or use of the temescal? To California Natives, how important was religion? Dancing? Writing? Acorns?
Sweat house. Men heated up, wiped off sweat, then bathed in river. Helped in hunting, animals couldn’t smell them as well. Religion and dancing were very important. Writing was non-existent. Acorns were a staple of their diet.
Explain the motives which led the Spanish to explore and settle Alta California.
God, gold, and glory.
What is the likely source of the name “California”?
???
What was the purpose of Spanish Indian policy? How did Spanish Indian policy compare with that of England?
???
Identify Juan Cabrillo, Francis Drake, Jose de Galvez, Junipero Serra, Francisco Palou, Gaspar de Portola, and Juan Bautista de Anza. Who led the Sacred Expedition?
Cabrillo: “Discovered” Alta CA. Drake: Englander who stopped by in 1579. Galvez: Ambitious, mentally unbalanced Spanish official. Serra: Founder of first Franciscan missions. Palou: Transitional head after Serra died. Portola: commander of “Sacred Expedition.” Anza: Led overland trips and helped establish missions.
Discuss the controversies and misconceptions surrounding Francis Drake’s landing in California.
Some say there was a brass plate left by him claiming it for England. Best argument against is England never followed up. …?
How many Spanish missions were ultimately established in California? What were presidios and civil pueblos? Were San Diego, San Jose, Monterey, San Juan Capistrano, and San Gabriel established as missions, presidios, or pueblos?
- Presidio: military fort. San Diego, Monterey. Pueblo: civil “town” with farming. San Jose, Los Angeles. ??
Describe the Spanish beginnings of San Francisco and Los Angeles. Why was each settlement established, and what people were involved in the process?
San Francisco began is a mission. Established by Juan Bautista de Anza and Francisco Garces. Los Angeles was established as a pueblo. ..?
Why were most Spanish settlements near the coasts? Why did settlers enjoy contact with foreigners?
?? For supplies and news of the outside world.
What was an important result of the Yuma Massacre?
Garces died…
Describe and evaluate the impact of the Spanish missions on the California Indians.
Positive: Catholic “Christianity”, more covering, more food.
Discuss the Russian colony at Ft. Ross.
Established to get food for trappers of sea otters.
What ended Spanish control over Alta California? How important had the area been to Spanish colonial authorities?
Mexican’s independence. Not very??
Describe the political situation in California during the Mexican period. What was the relative authority of the Mexican governors, the Franciscan missionaries, and the leading rancheros?
Mexican governors: ?? Franciscans: ?? Leading rancheros: ??
During which period were more “Spanish land grants” issued to individual Californios - the Spanish or Mexican period?
Mexican
What is secularization? Who benefited and who lost by the process?
Missions were converted into parishes, and Indians were supposed to receive land. In reality, they didn’t. Local politicians and rancheros did instead.
How extensive was formal education among the Mexican population in California up to 1846?
Virtually non-existent.
Who performed most of the labor on a typical California rancho? What was the main business of the ranchos? What was a “California Bank Note”?
Indians. Cattle raising. “Hide and tallow.”
What goals were Spanish missionaries supposed to have for Native Americans and churches? How successful were they in accomplishing these goals?
Goal: transform Indians into members of Spanish society. Not very successful.
