In this Grade 4 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students learn how Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, forming the Mexican Republic that included Alta California. Students explore key vocabulary such as secularization, land grants, Californios, and ranchos as they examine how the end of the mission system reshaped land ownership in California during the rancho period. The lesson builds understanding of how Mexican rule directly impacted California Indians, Spanish settlers, and the broader political changes that set the stage for California's future.
Section 1
Mexico Wins Independence from Spain
For many years, the country of Spain ruled over Mexico. People in Mexico wanted to make their own laws and decisions. They dreamed of a free and independent country.
In 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for the people to fight for their freedom. His call started the Mexican War for Independence. The war lasted for more than ten years.
Section 2
From Spanish to Mexican Rule in California
For many years, Spain ruled over California. But things changed in 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain. This meant California was no longer Spanish territory; it was now part of the new country of Mexico.
The new government wanted to limit the power of the church. In 1834, Governor José Figueroa ordered the process of secularization. This meant the missions were closed, and their large lands were taken away from the priests to be used for other things.
Section 3
The Rise of California's Ranchos
After 1834, the government gave the mission lands away to Mexican citizens living in California. These large gifts of land were called land grants.
Mexican citizens born in California, known as Californios, used these grants to start huge farms. These powerful landowners, called rancheros, built enormous cattle ranches. This marked the beginning of the "Golden Age" of the ranchos.
Section 4
Trade Brings New People to California
Mexico officially opened California’s ports to international trade in 1822, shortly after achieving independence from Spain in 1821.
This started a new era of international commerce. Unlike Spain, Mexico allowed Californios to trade with countries like the United States and Great Britain.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Mexico Wins Independence from Spain
For many years, the country of Spain ruled over Mexico. People in Mexico wanted to make their own laws and decisions. They dreamed of a free and independent country.
In 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for the people to fight for their freedom. His call started the Mexican War for Independence. The war lasted for more than ten years.
Section 2
From Spanish to Mexican Rule in California
For many years, Spain ruled over California. But things changed in 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain. This meant California was no longer Spanish territory; it was now part of the new country of Mexico.
The new government wanted to limit the power of the church. In 1834, Governor José Figueroa ordered the process of secularization. This meant the missions were closed, and their large lands were taken away from the priests to be used for other things.
Section 3
The Rise of California's Ranchos
After 1834, the government gave the mission lands away to Mexican citizens living in California. These large gifts of land were called land grants.
Mexican citizens born in California, known as Californios, used these grants to start huge farms. These powerful landowners, called rancheros, built enormous cattle ranches. This marked the beginning of the "Golden Age" of the ranchos.
Section 4
Trade Brings New People to California
Mexico officially opened California’s ports to international trade in 1822, shortly after achieving independence from Spain in 1821.
This started a new era of international commerce. Unlike Spain, Mexico allowed Californios to trade with countries like the United States and Great Britain.