Assignment task:
Read from chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the textbook: COMPETING VISIONS By Robert W. Cherny, Gretchen Lemke-Santangelo, Richard Griswold del Castillo.
Answer five of the following questions. You choose which five to answer.
Length, citations, and attachments: Each answer should be 2 substantial paragraphs in length. Aim for 250-300 words per answer. Each answer should contain information with citations with page numbers from the textbook throughout the answer, for example (Cherny, page 110). Please do not use any additional sources.
Question 1: From chapter 1: One of the features of California is its diversity, leading some to say that there are "many California's." What are some of the important contrasts in California's climate, geophysical features, and plant and animal life?
Question 2: From chapter 1: California Indians consisted of diverse groups, yet they also shared certain common characteristics. Discuss some of the important similarities and differences among indigenous societies. Remember to specify the groups and regions about which you are writing.
Question 3: From chapter 2: Discuss the legacy of the missions. How would you assess the immediate impact of the missions and their long-term legacy? Be sure to support your argument with specific historical data.
Question 4: From chapter 2: In addition to the missions, pueblos and presidios were elements of the Spanish conquest of California. Discuss the role each of these three institutions played in this conquest and their relationship to each other.
Question 5: From chapter 3: Discuss the initial intent of the process of secularization of the missions, both from the point of view of the Catholic Church and that of the Mexican government, and its actual unfolding. What impact did secularization have on both the California's and California Indians?
Question 6: From chapter 3: Describe the concept of Manifest Destiny and its significance in shaping the course of California history in the 1840s.
Question 7: From chapter 3: The hostilities between northern and southern Californios (norteños versus sureños) at times turned into violent exchanges. Although some tensions between the regions continue to plague the Golden State, what were the specific reasons for conflict during the various tenures of Mexican governors?