The primary goal of the Spanish missions in California was to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. Once native Americans were at the mission, missionaries attempted to convert them to Catholicism. The San Juan Capistrano Mission was no exception, and many of the local Acjachemen people converted to Catholicism. Missionaries taught them about the Catholic faith, its rituals and practices, and encouraged them to adopt Spanish customs and culture.
Missionization and Cultural Assimilation
The mission system sought to assimilate Native Americans into Spanish society and culture. This meant adopting Spanish language, dress, and customs. Native Americans living near the mission were expected to live at the mission and follow the mission's rules and regulations. They were taught European-style agriculture, animal husbandry, and other skills. This process of cultural assimilation disrupted Native American tribal traditions, languages, and ways of life.
Disease and Population Decline
The spread of European diseases, such as measles, smallpox, and influenza, also had a devastating impact on the Acjachemen people. These diseases were new to the region and the Native American population had no natural immunity. As a result, many died, further depleting the tribe's population.
Exploitation and Forced Labor
Native Americans at the San Juan Capistrano Mission were often subjected to forced labor. They were used to build the mission, work in the fields, and perform other tasks necessary for the mission's survival. This exploitation further contributed to the decline of their traditional way of life.
Overall, the San Juan Capistrano Mission brought significant changes to the Acjachemen people, including religious conversion, cultural assimilation, population decline due to disease, and exploitation through forced labor.
