Assignment 4a

The Colonial / Conquest Era, was an era in Latin America where European & Spanish soldiers occupied the culture in Latin America, taking advantage of the people and the lands natural resources. In 1494 Spain and European people divided the New World between themselves. After much bloodshed, and disease Spain lost numerous territories, as well as lives. The ancient culture was destroyed, as well as all records of its being, and the surviving natives were forced into the conversion to Christianity.

One interesting fact about the missions is that In order to facilitate overland travel, the mission settlements were situated approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) apart, so that they were separated by one day's long ride on horseback (or three days on foot) along the 600-mile (966-kilometer) long "California Mission Trail."

another interesting fact is...No group of structures in the United States elicits the intense interest inspired by the missions of California (California is home to the greatest number of well-preserved missions found in any U.S. state). The missions are collectively the best-known historic element of the coastal regions of California All of the missions are owned and operated by the Catholic Church, Seven mission sites are designated National Historic Landmarks, fourteen are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and all are designated as California Historical Landmarks for their historic, architectural, and archaeological significance

a third interesting fact is....The goal of the missions was, above all, to become self-sufficient in relatively short order. Farming, therefore, was the most important industry of any mission. Barley, maize, and wheat were among the most common crops grown. Even today, The only fruits indigenous to the region, however, consisted of wild berries or grew on small bushes. Spanish missionaries brought fruit seeds over from Europe such as orange, grape, apple, peach, pear, and fig seeds were among the most prolific of the imports. Grapes were also grown and fermented into wine for sacramental use and again, for trading.

I chose to research the California missions. When I was a child my parents took my siblings and I on a trip along the Califonria Mission Trail, to visit a bunch of the missions, and I remember I throughly enjoyed every moment of it. The picture above is mission San Juan de Capistrano (My Personal Favorite)

Sources:

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