2.
The mission system was a key instrument of Spanish colonialism during the Mexican and Spanish period of Alta California. The system was designed to establish control over indigenous people and convert them to Christianity, while also serving as a means of expanding Spanish influence in the region. Spanish soldiers and missionaries established a series of missions throughout Alta California, where they forced indigenous people to live and work. The missions served as centers of agricultural production, where indigenous people were forced to cultivate crops and raise livestock for the benefit of the Spanish colonizers.
3.
Early American aggression in Alta California began in the mid-19th century, as American settlers began to move into the region and assert their influence. These settlers often engaged in violent clashes with Mexican and Californian authorities, including the famous Bear Flag Revolt in 1846. Once the United States formally acquired California through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, American settlers continued to push for control over the region, often at the expense of the Californios (Mexican and Spanish residents of California). Efforts to impose an American version of history included suppressing the stories and experiences of non-Anglo populations, rewriting history books to downplay the contributions of non-Anglo people, and promoting a narrative of American exceptionalism and manifest destiny.
4.
The Gold Rush had a profound impact on life in Alta California. With the discovery of gold in 1848, the population of the region exploded as people from around the world flocked to California in search of riches. This influx of people led to increased economic opportunities and growth, but also led to conflict and displacement. White supremacy played a significant role in the decline of power and loss of land by Californios, as the arrival of white settlers led to the marginalization and displacement of Mexican and Spanish residents. Discriminatory laws, policies, and attitudes towards non-white residents meant that they were often denied access to resources and opportunities, and were forced to relinquish their land to white settlers. This ultimately led to a significant loss of power and influence for Californios in the region.