California Missions History the Financial Background

Posted by webisimo on September 3rd, 2014

The sixteenth century Europe saw a surge in expeditions through land and sea. This increase was generally attributed to the desire to know what lay beyond the oceans. The most skilled among the explorers were Spaniards. They had already gained a foothold in the US; in Mexico. This made it easier for them to expand their region, to westwards. And, the missions were established there for the purpose.

California Missions history Background

The Spaniards were able to take the Natives by surprise. Their refined manners, way of life and the grand buildings aroused curiosity. Some of them decided to experiment; to taste the new way of life presented before them. As a result, they decided to be baptized. But, the sad fact was that most of them were not aware of the financial and social complications of conversion of Catholicism.

The Spaniards were trying hard to make these Natives Spanish citizens. This according to the King was of utmost importance. The missions did not have enough people to govern them. Cooperation from residents was a must if they had to survive in the area. For this reason, it became their first objective to transform the Natives into loyal subjects and Christians. And, the measures they took for the purpose were generally seen as brutal. But for them, this was a must to control the uncivilized people in the area.

The economy

Despite all these troubles, missionaries were keen to care for their residents. They cultivated everything required for the purpose. Some of them had to suffer a bit. However, for most of them, improvement remained uninterrupted.

The Missions became hubs of economic developments in their respective regions. Their wealth increased at a surprising rate. The churches began to be known as the grandest buildings in the entire nation. They also featured buildings capable of sheltering all the inhabitants in their control. Every section of the society had its own set of apartments to call their own.

Agriculture in California Missions

When it came to farming, the missionaries can be regarded as the wealthiest among those who lived at that time. They had large portions of land set aside to cultivate corns, beans, green peas and wheat. They also had large groves of fruits and vineyards. The water network they developed were the most sophisticated of the time.

The Missions were also renowned for their large herds of cattle, flocks of sheep and horses. It can be said that the Missions at that time were quite self—reliant. They didn’t have to import anything from outside except during bad weather.

Studies show that more than 21,000 Indians lived in these twenty-one California Missions. The major part of their diet was grain. It was the missionaries who oversaw the animal farming. Even though this was highly developed, meat was not a part of the Indian diet. Animals were generally not killed for meat at that time. The sheep were killed for wool. The consumption of wheat was restricted based on its availability. The missionaries had to support the military bases in their premises.

Just explore the twenty-one reminders of California Missions history; you would get valuable insights in the matter. For more info visit Old Mission Museum at Oceanside, California.