California’s Missions

California’s Missions Grade 4 Victoria B. Gonzalez Imperial Teaching American History June 2011

Standard 4.2.4 • Describe the mapping of, geographic basis of, and economic factors in the placement and function of the Spanish missions; and understand how the mission system expanded the influence of Spain and Catholicism throughout New Spain and Latin America.

Lesson Objectives • Students will describe the role of Spain’s missions and how the missionaries change California by discussing the facts represented on a brochure which has been created by the students.

Introduction • The mission system brought the power of Spain and the Catholic Church to California.

Vocabulary • Convert: means to change a religion or belief. • Adobe: is a brick made of dried clay and straw. • Synonyms included brick, terra cotta, and clay. • Revolt: Is an uprising against a ruler.

A Chain of Missions • Spain’s rulers had several goals in the late 1700’s. • They wanted Spain’s power and wealth to grow. • They also wanted to keep other European countries out of New Spain. • Building missions along the coast of Alta California helped them meet these goals.

Spanish Missionaries • Spanish missionaries wanted to convert California Indians to Roman Catholic belief. • Economic factors helped decide where to build missions. • They had to be in areas where they could grow food and support many people. • Missionaries looked for areas with fresh water good soil, and resources for building.

Land for Missions • California Indians did most of the work of building the missions. • The first missions were built of wood. Later, Adobe was used. • The missions took land that California Indians had used for hunting and gathering Without that land, some Indians had to go to the missions for food.

Land for Missions Cont. • Soldiers brought some as well. • Some people came to missions by choice and others were brought by force. • As time went on, fewer people came to missions by choice. • However, the mission system kept growing. • By 1823, there were 21 missions in Alta California.

Guided Questions • Why did the Spanish leaders and missionaries build missions in California? • What did the priests look for when they chose mission sites? • What impact did the location chosen for missions have on the California Indians?

Life at a Mission • Missions changed the way many California Indians lived. • The missionaries believed that farming was a better way of life than hunting and gathering. • They also wanted California Indians to grow food for the missionaries and the soldiers.

Using Skills • California Indians did more than build the missions. • When missionaries first arrived, they needed the skills of California Indians to help them survive. • California Indians knew how to gather food and how to use herbs for medicines. • Priests tried to control people’s lives.

Learning New Skills • Missionaries taught California Indians some skills they had not had before, such as farming, herding, and making new goods. • California Indians learned to make goods in Europe, such as cloth, bricks, and iron tools. • California Indians also raised animals from Europe. People raised them for meat, horns, hides, and tallow.

Guided Questions • What were some of the skills the missionaries taught to California Indians? • Were the skills taught by the missionaries useful to the California Indians?

A Changing Economy • California Indians who moved to the missions had to learn a new way of life. • Their economy changed from hunting and gathering to agricultural and herding. • They had to convert to Catholicism. • Some California Indians kept their traditional cultures and customs, depending on whether the priest would let them or not.

Guided Questions • What were some of the changes California Indians in missions had to make in their lifestyles? • Discuss whether priests allowed California Indians to keep their traditional way, and why they did or did not. • What kind of work did California Indians do on missions?

Resisting the Missions • Missionaries used different ways of making California Indians convert to Catholicism and act like Spanish people. • Sometimes they used gifts and kindness. Other times, though, they used harsh treatment, including whipping and heavy chains. • For those who suffered bad treatment, the missions were places of misery.

California Indians Revolt • Many California Indians resisted the missionaries. • Some worked slowly and broke their tools and equipment. • Some California Indians planned revolts. • They hoped to get rid of missionaries and soldiers.

The Missions’ Lasting Effects • Missions controlled the lives of thousands of California Indians. • Some people lost their traditional ways of life. • The Spanish carried diseases that were new in Alta California. • The work of California Indians kept the missions going. • They allowed Spain to keep control of Alta California and Latin America for many years.

Guided Questions • How did California Indians resist missionaries? • Why did California Indians resist missionaries? • What did California Indians do to resist the missions?

Lesson Summary

Universal Access • Unit Resource pgs. 31 & 32 • Lesson Review pg 103 • Reteach Graphic Organizer 7

Assessment • Students will create a brochure on one of the California Missions using the following rubric.

Brochure Sections • Required • FRONT FLAP • -Title Cover • -Name of State • -State Shape Pic • -Introductory Slogan • -Student Name • -Class & Period • -Date • INSIDE LEFT FLAP • -Information • -Demographics • -State Facts • -Economy • INSIDE RIGHT FLAP • -Famous Locations • -Weather • -Education • BACK FLAP • -Sources Cited • -Where to find more information • * Optional • -Little Known Facts • -Unique Products • -Laws & Rules • -Cultural Nuances • -Famous People • -Current Events • -Vacation Packages • -Must-sees or Must-haves • -Quotations • & • -Other

Missions Brochure

Bibliography

Lesson Plan Design Template • LessonDesignTemplate311.doc

Santa Barbara Brochure • Mission Brochure.pub

California’s Missions