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How Explorers Changed California — Reading Comprehension

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HSS 4.2.2
RH.6-8.2

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This engaging U.S. History reading passage explores how explorers from Europe transformed California through the Columbian Exchange, colonization, and cultural contact. Students will learn how new plants, animals, and diseases were introduced, and how land was claimed from Native Californians. The passage explains cause-and-effect relationships, such as the impact of new animals and crops on the environment and the effects of European settlement on Native peoples. This resource includes a glossary, differentiated and Spanish versions, comprehension questions, a timeline, graphic organizers, and writing prompts. All materials are aligned with HSS 4.2.2 and RH.6-8.2 standards and support the development of foundational literacy. Read aloud audio and Spanish translation are included to support all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"[European explorers arriving in the new world]" by Lippincott, William H. (William Henry), 1849-1920 / Library of Congress.

Explorers from Europe arrived in California hundreds of years ago. They came from countries like Spain. These explorers wanted to find new land, gold, and power for their empires. The arrival of explorers changed California forever.

Before the explorers came, Native Californians lived across the land. They had their own cultures, foods, and ways of life. The land was home to many animals like deer, rabbits, and birds. People hunted, fished, and gathered plants for food.

When explorers arrived, they brought new things with them. This sharing of animals, plants, and diseases between the Old World (Europe) and the New World (Americas) is called the Columbian Exchange. Explorers brought horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. These animals had never lived in California before. Horses helped with travel and work. Cattle and sheep changed the land by eating grass and spreading seeds.

Explorers also brought new plants like wheat, oranges, and grapes. These plants became important crops in California. However, explorers brought diseases like smallpox and measles too. Native people had never been exposed to these illnesses. Many became sick and died because their bodies could not fight the new diseases.

Explorers claimed land for their countries. Spanish explorers built missions to teach Native Americans about Christianity and Spanish ways of life. Many Native people were forced to work and live at these missions. This changed their cultures and daily lives.

The arrival of explorers also caused conflicts. Native Californians lost land and resources. Some groups had to move or change the way they lived. Even so, Native cultures survived and are still a part of California today.

California’s landscape changed after explorers arrived. New animals and crops became part of the environment. Towns and roads were built where there were once only trails. The history of California is shaped by these changes from the time of the explorers.

Interesting Fact: Cows brought by Spanish explorers became the ancestors of all today’s California cattle!

Who lived in California first?

Native CaliforniansSpanish explorersGold minersSettlers from England

What did explorers bring to California?

Animals, plants, diseasesGold, computers, trainsTelevision, cars, phonesOnly food and water

What is the Columbian Exchange?

Sharing animals, plants, diseasesTrading gold for landOnly building missionsFighting in wars

Why did many Native Californians get sick?

New diseasesToo much foodCold weatherNot enough water

How did horses help in California?

Travel and workFishingMaking goldGrowing fruit

What happened at the missions?