After three centuries of imperial rule, the
American colonies of Spain began to demand their freedom. Mexican
independence was achieved in 1821 following a long and bloody struggle.
Life in California changed slowly. The most visible
impact of Mexican independence was the secularization of the missions.
The missions lost their lands and much of their power. In "dividing
the spoils," Mexican administrators created huge cattle ranches
or ranchos. A few wealthy land-owning families emerged as a rancho
elite, while most of the labor was performed by California Indians
serving as Native American serfs.
Native-born Californios grew restive under Mexican
rule and in 1842 asserted the provincial autonomy of California.
The autonomy was short-lived.
Most rancheros occupied themselves
with trading hides and tallow for manufactured goods brought to
California by ships from the United
States. In their leisure hours, the Californios amused themselves
with popular entertainments such as bull and bear fights or the
festive celebration of a California wedding.
