The transition from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican California resulted to a new environment that was unrecognizable to native societies that witnessed that arrival of Spaniards. The transition was characterized by the fusion of the long well established native societies with European culture citing the fact that Mexican California is an established Spanish speaking nation in the world. Mexican California is also characterized by many mission centers and the wide spread practice of the catholic religion. Mexico California’s infrastructure was also modernized citing the presence of a strong and centralized government through which also tax collection and good administration resulted to improvements in national finances, public health, foreign trade and civilian safety (Starr, 2007 p.187-192). Politically, the transition brought about new laws, administrators and change of power from missionaries to powerful ranching and secular governor families. New social complexities emerged after the emigration of Spaniards and the natural spaces transformed citing the introduction of European animals (cattle and horses), crops and weeds.
During this transition, men and women had different experiences with historical accounts recorded mostly written by men. By the time Spaniards were leaving Mexico California, women were struggling to find their identity in a society where identity was defined by externalities such as family expectations, advertising and peer pressure (Starr, 2007 p.285-291). Women had little choices about their futures. Most Mexican women were married by settlers (Anglo Americans) making them Mexican citizen enabling them to obtain land grants. Civilians with mixed blood became successful in owning vast ranches which was at times accompanied with change of ethnic identity. Further historical explorations reveal that women were also involved in revolution movements citing “Toypurina” who led an unsuccessful rebellion against missionaries and Spanish administration. This implies that some women acquired a revered status that contributed to the liberation of Mexican California.
References
Starr, K. (2007). California: A history. New York: Modern Library.
