The history of Baja California, according to archaeological remains and ethnohistoric studies, dates from approximately 10,000 BC. Until the end of the 19th century, Baja California's past was part of a peninsular history that it shared with Baja California Sur.
Baja California is a Mexican state founded on January 16, 1952. Currently, the entity represents an economic and social model that stands out for its reduced margins of poverty, openness to world markets and a participatory population.
Creation of the Northern District of Baja California in 1888
Compared to the 31 states that make up the country along with Mexico City, Baja California ranks tenth in competitiveness. His history has led him to occupy that privileged position.
You may also be interested in the typical traditions of Baja California or its culture.
History
Prehispanic period
The first groups of inhabitants to arrive on the Californian peninsula came from North America.
They were nomads of a subsistence economy that gradually established themselves until they became civilizations.
Due to the deep knowledge acquired about their environment, these populations learned to develop effective subsistence techniques.
Most of these techniques were based on the design of tools to optimize hunting, fishing and the processing of collected products.
These cultures were the Pericú, the Guaycura, the Cochimí, the Cucapá and the Yumana. Each one had dialect varieties that differentiated them, motivated by territorial dispersion.
Altogether, upon the arrival of the Spanish, the aboriginal population density in the region was estimated at approximately 50,000 inhabitants.
The conquest
In the year 1534 the first Spanish expedition arrived in Baja California. It was under the command of Hernán Cortés, considered today as the conqueror of the peninsula.
The expedition was the fourth exploration trip to the South Sea (Pacific Ocean) sponsored by Cortés.
Its result was the taking of possession of the territory of the extreme north of the Bermeja Sea and the achievement of the following explorations.
In 1542 a second expedition landed, this time led by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo.
On this occasion the Spanish entered Baja California rediscovering the island of Cedros, continuing their colonizing journey along the peninsula. They finally reached the current port of Ensenada.
The missionary period was highlighted by the ambition of the Crown towards the strengthening of its possessions over the territory; this minimized the evangelizing work of the priests.
With the financial contribution of benefactors and sympathizers of the company of Jesus, in 1696 the missionary operation that covered the territory was undertaken. This period lasted until 1810, when Fray Tomás Ahumada founded El Descanso.
The independence
The independence movement in Baja California manifested itself after the rest of New Spain.
Specifically, it occurred in 1822, a year after Mexico gained its independence.
In 1827 the peninsula was divided into two federal districts: Baja California and Baja California Sur. In addition, Ensenada was designated as the first capital of northern Baja California.
Twentieth century
On January 16, 1952, the decree issued by Miguel Alemán was published that amended articles 43 and 45 of the Mexican Constitution.
Through such reform the northern territory of Baja California is integrated into the federation as a state.
Subsequently, on August 16, 1953, the Political Constitution of Baja California was promulgated.
References
- Baja California. (October 22, 2013). In: britannica.com
- Baja California. (May 9, 2016). In: newworldencyclopedia.org
- Baja California. (November 15, 2017). In: es.wikipedia.org
- History. Independence in Baja California. (sf). Retrieved on November 15, 2017 from: bajacalifornia.gob.mx
- History. First European Explorations. (sf). Retrieved on November 15, 2017 from: bajacalifornia.gob.mx
- History. First Settlers. (sf). Retrieved on November 15, 2017 from: bajacalifornia.gob.mx