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When Mexico Took Over California

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Grades 3–5ReadingElaSocial-studiesHistoryEnglish · SpanishInteractive · Printable
Aligned toD2.HIS.2.3-5D2.HIS.3.3-5D2.HIS.14.3-5RI.4.3RI.4.4W.4.2
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About this printable When Mexico Took Over California reading passage (Grades 3-5)

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the period when Mexico took over California during the era of Westward Expansion. Students will learn about the Mission Period, the Rancho Era, and how control changed from Spain to Mexico. The passage features accessible vocabulary, a clear timeline of key events, and highlights the bravery and unity of people living in California at the time. Aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this resource includes a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing activities, timeline, and graphic organizers. The passage is student-ready, includes read aloud audio, and provides a complete Spanish translation, making it perfect for diverse learners and classrooms focusing on U.S. history and literacy skills.
Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks
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Sample passage and quiz from When Mexico Took Over California

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When Mexico Took Over California

Storming of Palace Hill at the Battle of Monterey [i.e. Monterrey]

"Storming of Palace Hill at the Battle of Monterey [i.e. Monterrey]" by Sadd, Henry S. / Library of Congress.

In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain. When this happened, California changed from a Spanish colony to a Mexican territory. This important event brought many changes to the people and land of California.

Before 1821, Spain controlled California. The Spanish built missions, which were churches and communities run by priests. The missions were created to teach Native Californians about Spanish culture and religion. Spanish governors and soldiers protected the land and kept order.

After 1821, Mexico became the new ruler of California. One of the first big changes was the secularization of the missions. Secularization means that the missions were taken away from the church and given to private people or the government. The Mexican government thought the missions had too much power. They wanted to give land to more people, including Mexican settlers called rancheros.

The Mexican government passed new laws. These laws allowed large pieces of land, called ranchos, to be given or sold to families and individuals. Rancheros raised cattle and grew crops on their new lands. This led to the growth of new towns and markets. The way of life in California changed as families from Mexico and other places moved in.

Native Californians were affected by these changes. Many lost their homes and land after the missions closed. Some worked on the ranchos, while others tried to keep their traditions alive. The Mexican period brought both problems and opportunities to people in California.

There were also changes in government. Spanish leaders were replaced by Mexican officials. These new leaders made decisions for the people of California and helped the area grow. Roads, towns, and trade increased during Mexican rule. California became more connected to the rest of the world.

The time when Mexico ruled California lasted until 1846, when the United States took control. But the Mexican period left a strong mark. Many cities, ranchos, and traditions from this time still exist today.

Interesting Fact: The names of many California cities, such as Los Angeles and San Diego, come from the Spanish and Mexican periods.

Comprehension quiz (8 questions)

1. When did Mexico take over California?

1821
1846
1776
1810

2. What was secularization?

Taking land from church
Making new missions
Building more roads
Ending ranchos

3. Who were rancheros?

Native Californians
Mexican settlers
Spanish priests
American farmers

4. Why did Mexican leaders want secularization?

Missions had too much power
To build more cities
To teach Spanish
To help Native Americans

5. How did Native Californians' lives change?

Lost homes and land
Became rancheros
Built missions
Gained new lands

6. What happened to the missions?

Closed and land given away
Used for schools
Became ranchos
Stayed the same

7. Mexico ruled California until 1846. True or false?

True
False

8. What is the best meaning of 'territory'?

Land ruled by a country
A kind of animal
A type of food
A Spanish ship
Curriculum

Common Core standards for When Mexico Took Over California

RI.4.3

Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.

RI.4.4

Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area.

W.4.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Who it's for

Perfect for the way you teach

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  • Build comprehension skills
  • Auto-graded quiz
  • Differentiated reading
Parents
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  • Improve fluency
  • Quiet reading time
Homeschoolers
  • Reading curriculum support
  • Independent practice
  • Track Lexile growth
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