5.2 Secularization of the missions and land redistribution

Secularization in California marked a pivotal shift, transferring control from missions to civil authorities. This process, unfolding from 1813 to 1834, aimed to end mission control over Native Californians, but often led to unfulfilled promises and community dispersal.

The redistribution of mission lands created a new ranchero class and expanded cattle ranching. However, it also resulted in Native Californians losing traditional livelihoods and facing increased exploitation. The transition reshaped California's economy, social structure, and power dynamics.

Secularization and Land Redistribution in California

Process of secularization in California

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• Secularization transferred control from religious to civil authorities aimed at ending mission system's control over Native Californians
• Timeline unfolded gradually:
  1. 1813: Spanish Cortes decree initiated secularization process
  2. 1824: Mexican government reaffirmed plans strengthening commitment
  3. 1834: Secularization Act passed by Mexican Congress finalized legal framework
• Implementation involved appointing administrators overseeing transition dividing mission lands into smaller plots emancipating Native Californians from mission control
• Effects on mission system led to decline in authority reduced agricultural production and livestock abandonment and deterioration of mission buildings (San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara)

Redistribution of mission lands

• Land grant system established ranchos large land grants given to Mexican citizens through application process (Rancho San Pedro, Rancho Los Cerritos)
• Native Californians often faced unfulfilled promises of land ownership lost communal living and support systems forced relocation or dispersal of communities
• Mexican settlers saw emergence of wealthy ranchero class expansion of cattle ranching and hide and tallow trade increased economic opportunities for some
• Challenges in redistribution included disputes over ownership and boundaries lack of proper surveying and documentation corruption in distribution process

Consequences of secularization for Californians

• Native Californians experienced:
  • Loss of traditional livelihoods and skills (basketweaving, adobe construction)
  • Increased vulnerability to exploitation and poverty
  • Fragmentation of tribal communities and cultural practices
• Mexican settlers witnessed:
  • Rise of ranchero economy and culture shaping social landscape
  • Increased social stratification between landowners and laborers
  • Development of new trade networks and economic relationships (with American and European merchants)
• Catholic Church faced:
  • Diminished influence in California society
  • Loss of economic resources and labor force
  • Shift in focus from conversion to pastoral care
• California economy transitioned:
  • From mission-based to rancho-based economy
  • Expansion of hide and tallow trade with foreign merchants
  • Decline in agricultural diversity and productivity
• Social structure transformed:
  • New social classes emerged based on land ownership
  • Increased interaction between different ethnic groups (Native Californians, Mexicans, Europeans)
  • Shift in power dynamics between religious and civil authorities