European Arrivals and the Demise of Native Populations in Europe
In the heart of central California, a research team, led by Terry Jones and Brian Codding, has uncovered striking evidence of the impact of Spanish settlement on the mortality of Indigenous people. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, delves into the period between 3050 BCE and 1870 CE.
Beginning around 1770 CE, Indigenous people likely had sustained contact with Spanish settlers, who established permanent missions in the region during this period. The Spanish mission system, which aimed to colonise and convert indigenous populations, is believed to have started around the late 1760s, giving rise to epidemics in the area.
The researchers analysed age-at-death records of 33,715 Indigenous individuals from central California. Their findings suggest that the arrival of the Spanish settlers led to extreme social disruption, including increased violence, enslavement, and food insecurity. These factors, in turn, made the Indigenous population more vulnerable to disease, leading to a significant increase in mortality.
The data for the study was compiled from two sources: 10,256 records from excavated human burial sites and 23,459 records created by missionaries from Spain and retained by missions in central California. The study reveals that from 1770 CE to 1800 CE, the mortality profile in central California was similar to that of populations experiencing an epidemic plague.
A notable finding from the study is that more females than males died near Spanish missions. This gender disparity, while requiring further investigation, could provide insights into the specific ways in which Spanish settlement affected the Indigenous population.
The decline of Indigenous populations in the Americas following the arrival of European settlers is among the most severe demographic collapses in history. However, the timing and scale of the collapse in some regions, such as California, remain unclear. This study provides a valuable piece of the puzzle, shedding light on the impact of Spanish settlement on Indigenous mortality in California.
For more information, Terry L. Jones can be contacted at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, while Brian F. Codding can be reached at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
