19499 - Spain’s and Russia’s Connection to the Founding of California

Course Overview

The Northwest coast of North America was one of the last territories to be conquered by Europeans. Historical documents help present a fascinating portrait of conflicts between nations as the Russians construct Fort Ross, the Spanish establish missions and Native American groups form alliances in an effort to protect their way of life. We’ll discuss both the attractiveness of this region and the tensions among powers determined to retain or seize it. California is transformed from a sparsely populated land with abundant natural resources to a rapidly expanding economic power driven by the rush for gold. We’ll view a short film and explore European colonization of the Northwest.

Additional Information

This class is eligible for Tuition Remission under Personal Enrichment.

Prerequisites

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