5.1 Transition from Spanish to Mexican governance

Mexican independence in 1821 transformed California's political landscape. The shift from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican governance brought changes like mission secularization, the pueblo system, and land grants, reshaping social structures and economic patterns.

These changes had profound impacts on Native Californians. While legally emancipated, they faced challenges in land ownership, health, and cultural preservation. The transition from mission-based to rancho economies altered Native communities and their relationships with the new power structures.

Political Changes in California

Changes in California's governance post-independence

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• Mexican independence from Spain in 1821 marked transition from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican governance transformed political landscape
• Secularization of missions initiated by Mexican government in 1833 transferred mission lands and property to civilian control reshaped social structure
• Establishment of pueblo system created civilian towns and settlements (Los Angeles, San Jose) fostered urbanization
• Land grant system distributed large tracts to private individuals led to ranchos becoming dominant form of land ownership
• Relaxation of trade restrictions opened California ports to foreign trade boosted economic growth
• Military presence reduced in California shifted focus from defense to civil administration
• Political representation gained in Mexican Congress increased California's voice in national affairs

Impact of Mexican policies on California

• Emancipation of Native Californians legally ended forced labor in missions granted theoretical equality under Mexican law
• Land distribution promised grants to Native Californians but resulted in limited actual ownership by Native people
• Dispersal of mission populations caused many Native people to leave missions form new communities or return to traditional lands
• Economic changes shifted from mission-based economy to rancho system led Native laborers to work on ranchos or in pueblos
• Cultural impact caused decline of mission-taught skills and practices while allowing resurgence of some traditional Native practices
• Health and population continued to decline due to disease and economic hardship affecting Native communities
• Education opportunities for Native children reduced as mission schools closed

Power shifts in Mexican California

• Diminished role of Catholic Church led to loss of political influence and reduced control over Native populations
• Increased secular authority resulted in Mexican government assuming direct control over former mission lands and civil administrators replacing priests
• Native autonomy theoretically increased but faced practical limitations due to economic and social factors
• Land ownership changes transferred mission lands to private ownership often leaving Native people as landless laborers
• Political representation for Native people remained limited within Mexican political system
• Cultural assimilation pressures encouraged Spanish language and Mexican customs leading to decline of Native languages and practices
• Resistance and conflict manifested in Native uprisings against Mexican authority and continued tensions between settlers and Native communities