Africans and Filipinos in Early California — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.4-5
D2.HIS.2.4-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging reading passage explores the important roles Africans and Filipinos played in the early expeditions to California during the era of European exploration and colonization. Students will learn how people from Africa and the Philippines joined Spanish explorers on their journeys, helped build missions, and contributed to California's early settlements. The passage highlights key historical events, figures, and cause-and-effect relationships in a clear, chronological narrative. Aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this resource helps students build historical understanding, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, timeline, glossary, and graphic organizer. Also included are a Spanish translation and read aloud audio, making this an accessible and comprehensive resource for U.S. History instruction.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Filipino children helping celebrate America's Ter-centennial, Jamestown, Va." by Underwood & Underwood / Library of Congress.

The early expeditions to California were led by Spanish explorers. Africans and Filipinos were part of these journeys. In 1769, the Portolá Expedition traveled north from Mexico to California. They wanted to find new land for Spain. The group included soldiers, priests, and workers. Some of these workers were Africans and Filipinos.

Many Africans came to New Spain as servants or free people. Filipinos arrived on Spanish ships called galleons. These ships sailed across the Pacific Ocean. Filipinos worked as sailors and helped guide the ships safely. Africans worked on farms, built missions, and took care of animals. Their skills helped the expeditions survive harsh conditions.

Life on the journey was hard. The travelers faced hunger, sickness, and rough land. Filipinos and Africans worked together with the Spanish. They built shelters and found food and water. Their teamwork made the journey possible. A Filipino named Antonio Miranda Rodriguez and an African named Juan Garrido are remembered for their bravery. Juan Garrido once said, "I came as a free man and helped build new lands." His words show the pride and strength of these explorers.

When the expeditions reached California, Africans and Filipinos helped build the first missions. Missions were places where Spanish priests taught people and grew food. These early settlements became towns and cities. Africans and Filipinos brought their own cultures and traditions. They shared music, food, and stories with others. This made California a place of many cultures.

Their work helped shape California. Without their help, the expeditions might not have succeeded. Over time, Africans and Filipinos became part of the growing communities in California. Today, we remember their courage and the important roles they played.

Interesting Fact: The first Filipinos in California were called "Luzon Indios" after their home island of Luzon in the Philippines.

When did the Portolá Expedition happen?

1769149218491620

Where did the Portolá Expedition start?

MexicoSpainCaliforniaPhilippines

Who helped guide Spanish ships?

FilipinosAfricansPriestsMerchants

Why were missions important?

To teach and grow foodTo find gold onlyTo build shipsTo explore Africa

How did Africans help the expeditions?

Built missions and farmsOnly sailed shipsDid not helpLed Spanish priests

What did Filipinos and Africans share?