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Californios Culture — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This history reading passage explores the story of the Californios—Spanish and Mexican settlers who shaped California before it became a U.S. state. Students will learn about the Californios’ daily lives, their large ranchos, and the changes they faced during the Mexican-American War and California’s journey to statehood in 1850. The passage includes a glossary of important terms, a timeline, a multiple-choice quiz, and writing prompts to deepen understanding. Activities support key C3 Framework and Common Core standards for history and literacy. Audio read-aloud and a Spanish translation are included for accessibility. This resource is ideal for building background knowledge about Westward Expansion and the diverse cultures that built the American West.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Stockton (vicinity), California. Mexican agricultural laborer topping sugar beets" by Collins, Marjory, 1912-1985 / Library of Congress.

California rancho culture grew in the early 1800s when Mexico owned the area. The Mexican government gave out large land grants to people called rancheros. These grants were pieces of land, sometimes as big as a small city. Each rancho had hundreds or even thousands of cattle and horses. The ranchos became the center of life in California.

The rancheros were the owners of these big ranches. They built large houses and managed the workers. The ranchos were far apart, so each was like a small town. Families, workers, and visitors all gathered at the rancho for work and celebrations. The houses often had thick adobe walls to keep them cool in the hot sun.

The work on the ranchos was done by people known as vaqueros. Vaqueros were skilled cowboys. They were experts at riding horses and herding cattle. Vaqueros used lassos, wide-brimmed hats, and boots. Their traditions and skills became the model for American cowboys later on.

Rancho life was busy. People raised cattle for their meat and hides. The hides, called "California banknotes," were traded for goods like cloth, tools, and tea. Ranchos helped California grow by bringing in trade and new people. They also influenced the land. Many California cities and towns today have names that come from old ranchos, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.

As time passed, the United States took control of California. The rancho system slowly faded, but its impact lasted. Vaquero traditions became part of cowboy culture. The names and stories of ranchos are still seen across California today.

Interesting Fact: The word "rodeo" comes from the Spanish word for "round up," showing how vaquero language shaped the American West.

Who owned the ranchos?

RancherosSoldiersFarmersTeachers

What did vaqueros do?

Built housesHerded cattleTraded goodsMade adobe

What were cattle hides called?

Spanish notesCalifornia banknotesRanchero coinsVaquero skins

Why did the Mexican government give land grants?

To grow settlementsTo sell cattleFor new schoolsFor gold mining

How did ranchos help California?

They brought tradeThey built bridgesThey mined goldThey made ships

What happened when the United States took control?