Mission farming

Definition

Mission farming refers to the agricultural practices established by Spanish missions in California during the 18th and 19th centuries, where crops were cultivated primarily to support the mission communities and convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity. This type of farming played a crucial role in the economic sustainability of the missions, as well as in the broader colonization efforts that sought to integrate Native populations into European agricultural methods and lifestyles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mission farming relied heavily on Indigenous labor, as Native Americans were often tasked with cultivating crops and maintaining livestock within mission lands.
2. Crops commonly grown included wheat, barley, corn, and various fruits, which not only fed mission residents but also contributed to local economies.
3. The establishment of mission farming led to significant changes in land use and agricultural practices among Indigenous populations, many of whom were introduced to European farming techniques.
4. As missions expanded their agricultural operations, they often competed with Indigenous traditional land-use practices, leading to conflicts over land and resources.
5. Mission farming served as a model for later agricultural development in California, influencing the state's future farming practices and economy.

Review Questions

• How did mission farming contribute to the economic sustainability of Spanish missions in California?
  • Mission farming was essential for the economic sustainability of Spanish missions because it provided the necessary food supplies for both the missionaries and the converted Indigenous people. By cultivating various crops such as wheat, barley, and corn, missions could sustain their populations and reduce dependency on external supplies. This self-sufficiency allowed missions to focus on their religious objectives while ensuring that their communities could thrive amidst colonization.
• Evaluate the impact of mission farming on Indigenous populations in California during the colonial period.
  • Mission farming had a profound impact on Indigenous populations as it altered their traditional ways of life. Many Native Americans were coerced into working on mission farms, which often led to a loss of autonomy and cultural practices. Furthermore, the introduction of European agricultural methods disrupted traditional ecological knowledge and land use, contributing to significant changes in community structures and social dynamics among Indigenous groups.
• Analyze how mission farming practices influenced later agricultural developments in California's economy.
  • Mission farming laid the groundwork for California's future agricultural economy by introducing European crops and farming techniques. The skills developed during this period helped shape the agricultural landscape of California, leading to its emergence as a major agricultural hub in the United States. As mission farming practices evolved into larger-scale agricultural operations, they set precedents for land use, crop cultivation, and labor systems that would continue to define California's economy well into the modern era.

Related terms

Franciscan Order: A religious order founded by St. Francis of Assisi that played a key role in establishing missions in California and promoting Christian teachings among Indigenous peoples.

Encomienda System: A labor system established by Spanish colonizers that allowed settlers to demand tribute and labor from Indigenous peoples, often linked to mission farming efforts.

Agrarian Economy: An economic system primarily based on agriculture, which was essential to the success of the missions as they produced food for both mission residents and surrounding communities.