USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The California missions began in the late 18th century as an effort to convert Native Americans to Catholicism and expand European territory. There were 21 missions in all, lasting from 1769 until about 1833.

Detailed explanation-2: -For America’s indigenous people, late 19th century Christianity meant forced assimilation and cultural domination. Through government-sponsored boarding schools, Christian missionaries worked to convert native children, who were often referred to as “savages."

Detailed explanation-3: -Beginning in the 1600s, European Christians, both Catholics and those of various Protestant denominations, sought to convert Native American tribes from their pre-existing beliefs to Christianity.

Detailed explanation-4: -Some Indians accepted the new religion and the new life-patterns it commanded. Others in-corporated certain Christian elements into their lives while rejecting the essence of the white man’s message. Most native Americans reaffirmed their traditional beliefs and strenuously resisted Christianity.

Detailed explanation-5: -Second, most native peoples worshiped an all-powerful, all-knowing Creator or “Master Spirit” (a being that assumed a variety of forms and both genders). They also venerated or placated a host of lesser supernatural entities, including an evil god who dealt out disaster, suffering, and death.