Spanish Return to California Expedition (section 3)

What primary concern prompted Spain to resume interest in California?

Who was appointed in charge of the Spanish expedition to California in 1769?

What was one significant challenge faced by the travelers during their journey to California?

Which of the following accurately describes an event that occurred during the sea journey of the expedition?

What was the primary purpose of Father Junípero Serra’s involvement in the expedition?

What did Portolá and his men fail to find at Monterey Bay?

Which group was NOT part of Portolá's expedition to California?

What notable observation did Father Crespi make in his diary?

Spanish Return to California

Spain abandoned California for over 150 years after Vizcaíno's voyage.
Spain's renewed interest stemmed from growing English power in North America's East Coast and Russian fur traders in Alaska.
Fearing encroachment on California, Spain launched the 1769 expedition.
Gaspar de Portolá, governor of Baja California, led the expedition.
Father Junípero Serra accompanied Portolá as a missionary.
The expedition involved two sea-bound groups and two land-based groups, all aiming to meet at San Diego Bay before reaching Monterey Bay.
The land journey faced challenging terrain in Baja California's desert, taking one group 51 days to reach San Diego.
The sea voyage suffered significant losses, with sickness and a ship sinking, reducing the expedition's strength at San Diego.
Portolá, with a smaller group including Juan Crespi (a priest), continued north after leaving Serra in San Diego.
Father Crespi documented the encounters with Chumash Indians and the journey's details.
Portolá did not find Monterey Bay as described by Vizcaíno, and discovered San Francisco Bay during their explorations.

Expedition Details

Portolá's expedition included soldiers, priests, cattle, horses, and mules carrying supplies.
The expedition brought African and Filipino explorers and soldiers.
Portolá was the first European leader of a land expedition to California.
Father Serra traveled with Portolá to San Diego in 1769.

Discover the details of Spain's 1769 expedition to reclaim California led by Gaspar de Portolá and Father Junípero Serra. This quiz covers the expedition's challenges, the motivations behind it, and the encounters with indigenous peoples. Test your knowledge of this critical moment in California's history.