Black Robes in Lower California

Peter Masten Dunne

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN:
  9780520316737
• eBook ISBN:
  9780520316744
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Denominations

The Jesuit missions of Lower California (1697–1768) represent a pivotal chapter in the cultural and spiritual history of the Americas. Black Robes in Lower California brings together a detailed, scholarly exploration of this seventy-year mission period, addressing both its successes and controversies. Drawing from an extensive array of primary documents—many newly available from archives in Spain, Mexico, and the United States—the book provides a comprehensive view of the Jesuits' efforts to establish Christian communities among the indigenous populations of Baja California. This study delves into the complex interplay of missionary fervor, cultural exchange, and the unintended consequences of European colonization, such as the decimation of indigenous populations due to disease and cultural disruption. With insights from modern historians and critics, the book reframes interpretations of Jesuit activities, offering a balanced perspective on their spiritual goals and the historical context in which they operated. Authoritative and meticulously researched, the volume acknowledges the diverse perspectives brought to bear on missionary history—from anthropological and biological critiques of cultural disruption to the theological convictions that shaped missionary endeavors. The narrative highlights the Jesuits' commitment to spiritual salvation and social advancement, detailing how they raised living standards, introduced agricultural techniques, and sought to alleviate suffering through education and Christian faith. At the same time, it confronts the broader implications of European influence on indigenous societies, recognizing the debates that persist among historians, scientists, and theologians. Enhanced by a wealth of archival material and the guidance of eminent scholars, Black Robes in Lower California stands as a vital resource for understanding the Jesuit legacy and its lasting impact on the history of the Americas. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1968.

Many titles in the Voices Revived program are also newly available as ebooks, offered at a discounted price to support wider access to scholarly work.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• CONTENTS
• Chapter I A HARD LAND
• Chapter II PRELUDE TO PERMANENCY
• Chapter III SALVATIERRA AND PERMANENCE
• Chapter IV ASSURED CONTINUITY
• Chapter V UGARTE GOES TO CALIFORNIA
• Chapter VI LAND ROUTE TO THE PENINSULA
• Chapter VII ALMOST STARVED OUT
• Chapter VIII BETTER YEARS
• Chapter IX TWO NEW MISSIONS
• Chapter X DEATH OF SALVATIERRA
• Chapter XI SALVATIERRA’S LEGACY
• Chapter XII HARBOR HUNTING
• Chapter XIII UGARTE BUILDS A SHIP
• Chapter XIV SOUTH TO LA PAZ
• Chapter XV TIP OF THE PENINSULA
• Chapter XVI HEAD OF THE GULF
• Chapter XVII THREE MOUNTAIN MISSIONS
• Chapter XVIII THE SOUTHERNMOST CAPE
• Chapter XIX TARAVAL
• Chapter XX REBELLION SEARS THE SOUTH
• Chapter XXI THE AFTERMATH
• Chapter XXII A FUTILE TWELVEMONTH
• Chapter XXIII RECONSTRUCTION
• Chapter XXIV ARRIVAL OF GERMAN JESUITS
• Chapter XXV CONSAG EXPLORES
• Chapter XXVI A PADRE AT HIS POST
• Chapter XXVII ECONOMICS
• Chapter XXVIII AGAIN THE NORTH
• Chapter XXIX THE LAST DECADE
• Chapter XXX THE LAST MISSION
• Chapter XXXI THE GATHERING STORM
• Chapter XXXII THE END
• Appendix I THE RECORD BOOK OF SANTA ROSALIA DE MULEGÉ
• Appendix II NOTE ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND TRIBES
• Appendix III INDIAN POPULATION FIGURES COMPARED
• Appendix IV TROUBLES OF A HISTORIAN
• Appendix V LIST OF JESUIT MISSIONARIES IN LOWER CALIFORNIA*
• NOTES
• BIBLIOGRAPHY
• INDEX