The Spanish missionaries sought to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism and to assimilate them into Spanish culture. This process of assimilation often involved the suppression of native languages, customs, and beliefs. Many Native Americans resisted this process, and some revolted against the missions.
Disease
The Spanish also brought with them diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, to which the Native Americans had no immunity. These diseases decimated the native population, killing millions of people.
Slavery and Forced Labor
Many Native Americans were forced to work in the missions and on Spanish ranches. They were often subjected to harsh conditions and low pay. Some Native Americans were also sold into slavery.
Loss of Land
The Spanish took over vast amounts of Native American land, often without compensation. This loss of land had a devastating impact on the native way of life.
Cultural Destruction
The Spanish missionaries often destroyed Native American religious and cultural artifacts. This destruction was an attempt to erase the native cultures and replace them with Spanish culture.
Population Decline
The combination of disease, slavery, forced labor, loss of land, and cultural destruction led to a decline in the Native American population of Alta California. This decline has continued to the present day.
The arrival of the Spanish missionaries in Alta California had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of many Native Americans. The missionaries brought with them a new religion, new diseases, and a new way of life. These changes often had a devastating impact on the native people.