Discussion Topic 1: Evaluating the Spanish Mission System     June 10

According to one historian, the Spanish missions were essentially good colonial institutions.  He writes, “the Spanish missionaries spread the Faith, ... explored the frontiers, promoted their occupation, defended them and the interior settlements, taught the Indians the Spanish language, and disciplined them in good manners, in rudiments of European crafts, of agriculture, and even of self-government. [They] were a force which made for the preservation of the Indians.”

In preparation for the class discussion/debate, evaluate the statement above.   Odd-numbered groups (pro- side) will agree with this historian, while even-numbered groups (con-) will disagree with this historian.  Each groups should consider the following questions: What evidence has led you to your opinion on this matter?  What evidence might have led this historian to come to these conclusions?  How does the experience of the Spanish missions in California compare to other colonial institutions around the world in that or another period?

This will be an in-class discussion.  No outside preparation is required.

The year is 1980.  You have been appointed to the Commission on the Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, a committee established by the Congress of the United States.  You have been instructed to investigate whether any wrong was done to the Japanese American people in 1942, and, if so, to recommend appropriate remedies.  Your discussion group should 1) define the reasons for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II;   2) come to a decision if any wrongdoing occurred; and 3) prepare an oral report on your investigation and recommendations.  In preparing your report, you may consult the readings, undertake oral interviews with people who lived at the time, visit the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, or research the issue in the Library or on the World Wide Web.  Please be sure to consider the particular bias or viewpoint of whatever sources you consult.  The oral report should be no more than 5 minutes long.

As a group, define what issue you believe will pose the greatest challenge to California’s future.  Prepare a short (4-5 minute) report in which you discuss this challenge, drawing on historical material to make your case.  Has the state faced a similar challenge in the past?  What might be the consequences of this challenge, for the state and its people?
 

IMPORTANT NOTE: On the discussion due dates, each group member must turn in a short (no longer than one paragraph) statement of his/her contribution to the group effort.  (These statements may be handwritten, in prose or note form.)