Secularization: The End of the Mission System — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

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

About This Reader

This reading passage explores the end of the California mission system and the process of secularization during westward expansion in U.S. history. Students will learn about the roles of Spanish priests, Native Americans, and Mexican leaders as California transitioned from Spanish control to Mexican rule and eventually became a U.S. state. The passage highlights key events, vocabulary, and cause-and-effect relationships, supporting both history and literacy skills. It aligns with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, and W.4.2 standards and includes a glossary, multiple-choice questions, a writing activity, a timeline, and a graphic organizer. The content features a read aloud audio and a full Spanish translation for accessibility and engagement.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Mission San Juan Capistrano, Calif." by Cochems, Edward William / Library of Congress.

The California missions were started by Spanish priests in the late 1700s. These missions were church buildings and farms. The priests wanted to teach Native Americans about Spanish ways and the Catholic faith. Native Americans lived and worked at the missions. They learned new skills and helped grow crops and care for animals.

When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, California became a part of Mexico. The new Mexican leaders did not want the missions to have so much power. In 1833, the Mexican government passed a law called secularization. This law took the land and power away from the missions and gave it to the government. The word "secular" means not connected to religion. The missions now belonged to the state, not the church.

The process of secularization was fast. Priests had to leave their missions. The land was given to Mexican settlers and some Native Americans, but most Native Americans lost their homes and did not get land. Many missions were left empty or turned into ranches. One person said, "Our mission is lost. The people are gone." Life changed quickly for everyone.

The end of the mission system made big changes in California. Mexican settlers, called rancheros, started large farms called ranchos. They raised cattle and sold hides and tallow. Native Americans had to find new places to live and work. Some worked for the rancheros, but life was much harder for them.

In 1846, the United States and Mexico went to war. The U.S. won, and California became part of the United States. In 1850, California became a state. The old missions were now part of a new country. Some missions were rebuilt, but the mission system was gone. California was changing fast, and many new people came looking for land and gold.

The story of secularization shows how a law can change life for many people. It was a time of bravery, hard choices, and new beginnings for California.

Interesting Fact: Some old mission buildings are still standing today. They are important parts of California's history.

Who started the California missions?

Spanish priestsMexican settlersU.S. soldiersNative Americans

What did the 1833 law do?

Gave land to the churchTook land from missionsStarted new missionsStopped farming

When did California become a state?

1821183318501846

Why did Native Americans lose their homes?

Secularization lawGold rushWar with MexicoBad weather

What did rancheros do with the land?

Built missionsStarted ranchosLeft it emptyGave it to priests

What does 'secular' mean?