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Saturday, March 16, 2024

Reading Passage The History of the Anza Trail from Arizona to San Francisco

Reading Passage: The Arduous Journey of the Anza Trail

In the era of Spanish colonization, a remarkable expedition occurred that formed an enduring path through the unforgiving wilderness. The Anza Trail, named after Juan Bautista de Anza, served as a vital route connecting colonial outposts in modern-day Arizona and California. This arduous journey spanned hundreds of miles, traversing rugged terrain and overcoming formidable obstacles.

In 1774, Anza, a seasoned military commander, embarked on a reconnaissance mission to establish an overland route from Tubac, Arizona, to the region of present-day San Francisco. This endeavor aimed to facilitate the establishment of a Spanish settlement in Alta California, solidifying Spain's claim over the territory. Accompanied by a contingent of soldiers, settlers, and indigenous guides, Anza's expedition faced myriad challenges.

The path wound through arid deserts, where the scarcity of water and scorching temperatures posed a constant threat. Traversing the unforgiving landscapes required perseverance, resourcefulness, and a profound understanding of the terrain. Anza's expertise in navigation and his ability to forge alliances with local indigenous tribes proved invaluable in navigating the treacherous journey.

As the expedition progressed, the trail meandered through towering mountain ranges, where the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions tested the resilience of the travelers. Steep ascents and precipitous descents demanded physical endurance, while treacherous river crossings heightened the risks of the journey.

Despite the obstacles, Anza's determination and leadership inspired his followers to press onward. The expedition's success hinged on the collective effort and cooperation among the diverse group of settlers, soldiers, and indigenous guides, who shared their knowledge of the land and its resources.

After months of grueling travel, the expedition finally reached the shores of San Francisco Bay, marking a monumental achievement in the history of Spanish exploration and colonization. The establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco and the Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) solidified Spain's claim to the region and laid the foundation for future settlement.

Today, the Anza Trail stands as a testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of those who braved the unknown to forge a path through the wilderness. Stretching from Arizona to California, this historic trail serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs of the past, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who dared to embark on such an ambitious undertaking.

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1a. What was the primary purpose of Juan Bautista de Anza's expedition along the Anza Trail?

1b. Explain the significance of the Anza Trail in the context of Spanish colonization efforts.

2a. Describe the challenges and obstacles encountered by the expedition along the Anza Trail.

2b. How did the diverse group of travelers overcome these challenges, and what factors contributed to their success?

1. One-Part Hot Text:
Highlight the word or phrase from the passage that describes the goal of Juan Bautista de Anza's expedition.

2. Multiple Choice:
What was the primary purpose of Anza's expedition?
A. To explore the wilderness for resources
B. To establish a trade route between Arizona and California
C. To facilitate the establishment of a Spanish settlement in Alta California
D. To map the terrain for future military campaigns

3. Open Response:
Explain how the diverse group of travelers, including soldiers, settlers, and indigenous guides, contributed to the success of the Anza expedition.

4. Multi-Select: 
Select all the challenges or obstacles mentioned in the passage that the expedition faced along the Anza Trail. (Select multiple options)
A. Arid deserts and water scarcity
B. Steep mountain ranges
C. Hostile native tribes
D. Treacherous river crossings
E. Dense forests

5. Evidence-Based Selected Response:
Which quote from the passage best supports the idea that the Anza Trail was a significant achievement in Spanish colonization efforts?
A. "The Anza Trail, named after Juan Bautista de Anza, served as a vital route connecting colonial outposts in modern-day Arizona and California."
B. "Anza's expertise in navigation and his ability to forge alliances with local indigenous tribes proved invaluable in navigating the treacherous journey."
C. "After months of grueling travel, the expedition finally reached the shores of San Francisco Bay, marking a monumental achievement in the history of Spanish exploration and colonization."
D. "Today, the Anza Trail stands as a testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of those who braved the unknown to forge a path through the wilderness."

6. Two-Part Hot Text:
Part A: Highlight the phrase from the passage that describes the physical challenges faced by the expedition.
Part B: Highlight the phrase that explains how Anza and his group overcame these challenges.

7. Editing Task Question:
The following sentence from the passage contains an error. Identify and correct the error.
"Despite the obstacles, Anza's determination and leadership inspired his followers to press onward."

8. Technology Enhanced Constructed Response (TECR) Grid Select:
Complete the table by matching each challenge faced by the expedition with the corresponding strategy or factor that helped them overcome it.

Challenges | Strategies/Factors
- Arid deserts | - Anza's navigation skills
- Rugged terrain | - Indigenous guides' knowledge 
- River crossings | - Perseverance and resilience
- Lack of resources | - Alliances with local tribes

9. Prose Constructed Response (PCR):
Write a well-organized response explaining the historical significance of the Anza Trail and how it reflects the spirit of exploration and perseverance during the era of Spanish colonization. Support your response with relevant details from the passage.




Glossary:

Arduous: Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

Reconnaissance: A preliminary survey to gain information.

Contingent: A group of people engaged in a particular activity.

Terrain: A stretch of land, especially with regard to its physical features.

Perseverance: Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Precipitous: Extremely steep or perpendicular.

Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Presidio: A fortified base established by the Spanish in their colonies.

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