Choose any two of the following 14 Questions to answer as fully as possible and identify which question(s) you are addressing. (5 points each). This assignment requires critical thinking/evaluation. Please do not reproduce textbook analysis. I am looking for your interpretation!
- Granting that both climate and geography have considerable influence on human culture, which one of these two conditions do you consider to be the more important in Californias development? Why?
- Explain the major varieties of California geography and climate.
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3. Write an essay in which you pick a town or city in California and identify the geomorphic province to which it belongs and discuss its important topographic, climate, and plant characteristics.
4. First examine how and why Californias water has been diverted and managed. Then discuss and analyze why this has been so controversial.
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5 . Examine how California natives fed themselves and changed their eating habits over the long course of their history. Begin with the first inhabitants before the end of the Ice Age and then move on to discuss how tribes in different areas used different food sources and methods to sustain themselves.
6. Discuss the political, economic, status, and gender structures of the typical tribelet. What were the different classes? Who had what powers? What was the nature and role of clans? What was the typical status of women relative to that of men?
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7. Describe the assimilation policies of Mission San Jose and other missions. What evidence shows that some assimilation did happen? What evidence shows that assimilation was in many ways unsuccessful?
8.Write an essay about Estanislaos rebellion in which you examine the circumstances that led to the rebellion, the general course of the rebellion, and the outcome of the rebellion.
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9. Write an essay in which you discuss Francis Drakes stay in California. Why was he in the area in the first place? What was the nature of the relations between Drakes men and the natives?
10. What were the differing reactions of Native Californians to the Spanish explorers? What could explain these differing reactions?
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11. Write an essay in which you examine the nature of the Spanish colonial system in California. What were the main components of the system? How well did the system work? What were the consequences for Californias Indians?
12. In what ways can Junpero Serra be considered enlightened and benevolent for the time period in which he lived? Why do his actions in California come under harsh criticism from many twenty-first century observers?
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13.How did the tension between Jos Castro and Po Pico hinder the Mexican response to Frmont and the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846?
14. Write an essay on the major events of 1846 in California in which you examine the strengths of the American settlers and their supporters, and also the weaknesses of the Mexican government and its supporters. Was the overthrow of Mexican California inevitable?
Requirements: 2-3 paragraphs per question