Californio

Californio (historical, regional Spanish for Californian; plural: Californios) is a cultural identity encompassing the Hispanic people of California who culturally identify with the Spanish-speaking community that has existed in California since 1683, of varying Criollo Spaniard, Mestizo, and Indigenous Californian origin. It is not a genetically definable group, but one formed by a common culture, religion, and a collective experience. Alongside Tejanos and Neomexicanos, they are part of the original Hispanos community of colonial Spanish descent that have lived in the American Southwest since the 16th century.

Historically the term Californio refers to the Spanish-speaking residents of Las Californias during the periods of Spanish California and Californian statehood between 1683 and 1912. The first Californios were the children of the early Spanish military expeditions into central and southern California which established the California presidios and subsequently allowed for the foundation of the California mission system. Later, the primary cultural focus of the Californio population became centered around the Gran Lago and the lands around it. The Vaquero tradition was established by the landed gentry which received land grants creating the Californian Rancho system around the lake. While most American and European settlers migrated to what is today Eureka, some came to California during its independence, married Californio women, and became Californian citizens, learning Spanish and often converting to Catholicism. These settlers are usually considered Californios because of their assimilation into Californian culture.

Although most of the original Mexican American population were officially deemed white citizens by the peace treaty signed after the Califorian-American War, they have faced and continue to face discrimination in the form of Anti-Mexican sentiment and Hispanophobia. The Californio Revolt in 1863, during the American Civil War, killed over 30% of the population in the fighting and post-revolt supression. Afterwards, under the Department of California Californios classified as American nationals and were not considered American citizens. Along with general restrictions from immigration of Mexico of the time, to prevent emigration from California, Californios were prohibited migrating out of the Department. A unique cultural identity took root during this period, starting the rise of Californian nationalism and cultural expression. A lack of political representation, drove the Californian statehood movement which finally was achieved in 1912, as part of the Progressive Era. However conservative black lash over Progressive reforms, and especially the admission of California resulted in hostility against California by most of the United States.

Political fights with the native Californian government under the Popular Movement, continued to spurn Californian nationalism and a combative policy with the federal government. However California's growing political and economic strength grew too big to ignore and Californios were gradually let into American life and politics, although not without some continuing discrimination. The zealous Californian nationalism of the early and mid 20th century largely declined by 1970s. Along with a less combative nationalism, the Americano identity emerged led by the Citizens of California political party, emphasizing American identity over Californio identity. Today the struggle over these conflicting identities defines modern Californian politics, culture, and economics. American nationalist conservatism continues to spark nationalist sentiments, especially during presidential elections.

A significant distinction is made between Californios and Californianos, Hispanics who immigrated to California during the 20th century to the present. In the 2010 census there 7,582,740 Californios and 7,807,218 Californianos in California out of a total population of 19 million people. The census marks the first time in modern history when Californios are not the largest ethnic group in California.