Question

To what extent did the Spanish and Mexican Periods lay the foundation for the California Dream?

To what extent did the Spanish and Mexican Periods foster economic opportunity? Was this intentional or an unintended outcome?

To answer these questions, consider all angles of the question: political, economic, social, religious, as well as the influence of outsiders.  

Answer 1

• California was ruled by Spain for nearly 300 years. The Spanish explorer had arrived in North America in the year 1519; they defeated the Aztec empire and took over North America. They claimed it to be their colony and named it New Spain, For about 150 years the Spanish traded with Native American or called Indian American.
• There were many countries who had an interest in that part of the land. As Spain was already in the trade with them they thought of making a permanent settlement in that area.
• There were growing tensions between British and Spanish. The Spanish had nearly two and a half century of experience in dealing with Native Americans;
• The Spanish churches and officers were in agreement  to civilize these Native American known as barbarians,
• The Spanish colonization created famous California missions, as well as the rancho and pueblo systems. That had a great impact on the cultural and economic development of the state.
• Spanish regal authority and law were enacted as the law of land that Native Americans or Indians had to follow.
• The spread of Christianity. As the Natives were uncultured the did not have proper dressing sense. They use to remain naked or partly covered. They were made to dress in the Spanish way.
• They were educating people, giving medical need and tried to give them better civil and social life. Spanish rule was giving the Indians things which they did not have. By 1821, Spain had established 21 missions up and down the California coast.
• To house Native Americans they had built pueblos.
• Ranchos are the land granted to the nobles and other important figures for farming and cultivation.
• Spain defeat in hands of Mexicans are partly due to their inner enemies, who were once their ally
• In the year 1822, the Mexicans defeated Spain and took over  Alta California, that is present-day California
• During the Mexican era, the increase in sea commerce and migration of Anglo American settlers to this area made the United States take interest in that region.
•   In June of 1846  American settlers, together with indigenous Californians, revolted against the Mexican government. with the backing of United States Mexican surrendered
• By 1846 Mexican government of Alta California captured it and by July 9, 1846, this came under the rule of America. Ending both Spanish ND Mexican colonization