Spain’s Colonial

Expansion into California

1769-1821

Spain arrives in the Americas

Cortez reached the Pacific Ocean Coast of Mexico

Spain explored the Pacific Coast

of California1539-1602

Sailing by CA, Spain claimed it

as part of the Spanish Empire

When Spain claimed ownership of coastal California in 1542,the land was occupied by many Native cultural groups.

Following Vizcaino’s exploration of California in 1603, Spain did not return to California for 166 years !

1n 1769, Spain decided to finally conquer and occupy Alta (Upper) California.

Leaders of the Conquestin Alta California

1769Fr. Junípero Serra

The MissionsGaspar de Portolá

The Military

Spain’s Colonial Goalin Alta California

To turn native Indians

into loyal Spanish citizens

and productive farmers.

• Obedience

• Christianity

• Spanish Language

• Spanish Values and Culture

• Farming Skills

The Conquest Strategy:21 Missions, 4 Presidios, and 3

Pueblos

Diversity in Spanish California

Diversity in Spanish California

California Missions• Started by Spain 1769, 277 yrs.

after Columbus

• Controlled by Spain 1769-1821

• Controlled by Mexico 1821-1834 Mexico closed the missions in 1834, after 65 years

• US took control of the area in 1848

• Missions closed 178 years ago.

Saints or

Sinners ?

Part 1Part 2

Highly Positive Histories of the CA Missions

Negative Histories of

the CA Missions