The Mexican Era | California History [ep.3]

Summary

This episode delves into Alta California's history post-Spanish conquest. It discusses the region's semi-lawless state under Mexican rule, the establishment of Ranchos, and the rise of Rancheros as feudal lords. It also covers foreign encroachment, the California fur rush, and the Bear Flag Revolt that led to Alta California's autonomy before its eventual annexation by the United States.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Alta California was a remote outpost under Spanish rule for the first 50 years after its conquest.
• 🏛️ After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, Alta and Baja California were transferred to the Mexican Empire, which later became a republic.
• 🌎 The Mexican government had little control over Alta California, leading to a semi-lawless state and local authorities managing the territory.
• 🏞️ The Spanish system of granting large tracts of land, called Ranchos, to citizens resulted in the creation of rancheros who were like feudal lords.
• 🐄 Rancheros faced challenges from raids by groups like los hagwon Osos, necessitating self-defense and management of their lands.
• 🤠 Vaqueros, often American Indians, were hired to work on the ranches, reflecting the diverse population in Alta California.
• 🚶‍♂️ The population of Alta California was supplemented by foreigners, including fur trappers and settlers from the United States, drawn by opportunities in land and trade.
• 🦊 The California fur rush, involving the trade of otter pelts and cowhides, was a significant economic activity, part of the triangle trade of the Pacific.
• 🗣️ There was tension among the people of Alta California regarding the Mexican government's lack of support and the influx of foreigners.
• 🛑 Several rebellions occurred in the 1820s and 1830s, including an attempt to reunify with Spain and declarations of independence, leading to periods of anarchy and changes in governance.
• 🏳️‍🌟 The Bear Flag Revolt in 1846 marked the end of Mexican rule in Alta California, paving the way for its transition into a U.S. state.

Q & A

How did Alta California remain after the conquest by Portola?

Alta California remained a remote outpost in the Spanish Empire throughout the first 50 years since the conquest by Portola.

What significant change occurred in 1821 for Alta and Baja California?

After a decade of warfare, Mexico achieved independence from Spain in 1821, and both Alta and Baja California were given to the new Mexican Empire, which was soon replaced by a republic.

How did the local administration function in Alta California under Mexican rule?

Local authorities ran things without much input from the federal government, leading to a semi-lawless state.

What was the system of granting land to citizens in Alta California called?

The system was called Ranchos, where huge properties were given to people to ranch cattle.

Who were the Rancheros and what was their role in Alta California?

The Rancheros were citizens granted land and they were essentially feudal lords of their vast swaths of land, hiring field hands called Vaqueros to help on the ranch.

Who were the Vaqueros and where did they often come from?

Vaqueros were field hands often hired from American Indians in the surrounding area to help on the Ranchos.

What group was known for daring raids into Alta California?

A group called Los Haraganeños, which consisted of random frontiersmen and Indians, made several daring raids into Alta California.

What was the legal system like in Alta California during the Mexican period?

There was a legal system where an elected person, called the Alcalde, would act as judge, jury, and sheriff all in one.

What was the primary reason for the increase in foreign settlers in Alta California?

The primary reason was the California fur rush, where foreigners encroached on Alta Californian land for fur trapping.

What was the 'triangle trade of the Pacific' mentioned in the script?

The triangle trade of the Pacific involved trading otter pelts and cowhides from Alta California to ships, which would then trade for pelts and hide before leaving for Hawaii and ultimately Canton in China.

What was the Bear Flag Revolt and what was its impact on Alta California?

The Bear Flag Revolt was an insurrection in 1846 that overthrew the last Mexican governor, Pio Pico, and led to Alta California becoming a U.S. state.