spanish colonization of north america contributions of native american societies to the colonies, manifest destiny, the american conquest of northern mexico and the american west's role in slavery, but from a slightly different perspective. we read about indian removal in the 19th century and how it was shaped by the expansion of the american democracy and the cotton economy. indian nations like the cherokees were victimized by the united states government, the state of georgia as well as land hungry settlers, but the nation's willingness to adapt and press all possible advantages illustrates how indians continued well beyond the colonial area to change to make colonialism work in their favor. with that in mind, i want to revisit california today. and consider the ways californian indian societies continued the practice after the mission era, and helped to build california's economy, attract settlers, and transform the territory into a economically vital american state during the gold rush. this transformation hinged on the work of indian people. as you remember, catholic missionaries where the vanguard of spanish colon