Answer:
The process by which the government confiscated land from Californios
Explanation:
The pastoral lifestyle of the great ranchos was giving way under the ever increasing demands of the incoming Americans who were eager for land, power and money. Legislation was passed which often favored unscrupulous newcomers. This had far-reaching effects as Hispanic families bowed to the various pressures facing them and their lands passed into American hands. Maria was determined not to lose her lands without a fight. For the next twenty-three years of her life she fought numerous legal battles, with more losses than wins. She hired the best attorneys possible and pulled strings in high places to help her claims. Her major fight was over Rancho Jamul which she claimed as the widow of Henry Burton, homesteader of the land, but Burton had died intestate, thereby creating enormous problems for Maria.
Despite all the furor, Maria continued making a variety of plans for the rancho. She ran cattle, as well as growing wheat and barley on the slopes. Castor beans were also raised, bringing sixty dollars an acre in 1874. The cattle were fed with the leaves and the beans were sold to a paint company. Even the hillsides covered with wildflowers were rented for beehives.
