The Spanish missions of California have long been misrepresented as places of benign and peaceful coexistence between Franciscan friars and California Indians. In fact, the mission friars enslaved the California Indians and treated them with deliberate cruelty. "A Cross of Thorns" describes the dark and violent reality of Mission life. Beginning in 1769, California Indians were enticed into the missions, where they and their descendents were imprisoned for 60 years of forced labor and daily beatings.The chilling depictions of colonial cruelty in "A Cross of Thorns" are based on little known church and Spanish government archives and letters written by the founder of California's mission, Friar Juniperro Serra (who advocated the whipping of Mission Indians as a standard policy), and published first-hand accounts of 18th and 19th century travelers.Tracing the history of Spanish colonization in California from its origins in Spain's 18th century economic crisis to the legacy of racism and brutality that continues today, "A Cross of Thorns" is one of the most thought-provoking books ever written on California history.
✔ Author(s): Elias Castillo
✔ Title: A Cross of Thorns: The Enslavement of California’s Indians by the Spanish Missions
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (112 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1610353048
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about A Cross of Thorns by Elias Castillo
Kateline Powell
Travel back in time with a historical epic that vividly recreates a bygone era. The author's meticulous research and engaging prose transport you to another world. Complex characters and intricate plots keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Each chapter reveals new insights into the period's culture and society. It's a captivating blend of history and fiction. Ideal for history buffs and lovers of epic sagas.
Audrea Mahmood
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