Competing Visions_ A History of California

Chapter 4: War, Conquest, and Gold: The American Era Begins, 1845–1855

Main Topics

• The War Between the United States and Mexico

• The Gold Rush

• California Transformed

Introduction

• Hubert Howe Bancroft began writing a multivolume history of California in the 1870s.

• He interviewed early Mexican residents to gather perspectives on the American conquest.

• Doña Felipa Osuna de Marron reminisced about the American conquest of San Diego in 1846.

• Her experiences highlight the personal impacts of the conquest on Californio families.

The American Conquest Narratives

• Felipa Osuna disguised important figures to protect them from American troops during the war.

• After the conquest, Californios faced pressures from both Americans and other Mexican citizens.

• Felipa's narrative illustrates the complexities and divisions during and after the war.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1842: Francisco Lopez discovers gold in Southern California.

• May 11, 1846: U.S. declares war on Mexico.

• June 10, 1846: The Bear Flag Rebellion occurs.

• February 2, 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the war.

• September 9, 1850: California admitted as a state to the Union.

The War Between the United States and Mexico

Economic Influences

• American economic interests grew alongside Mexican territory; the Santa Fe Trail opened trade routes.

• The annexation of Texas in 1845 spurred conflict over territorial boundaries.

• Opposing views on Texas' southern border fueled tensions leading to war.

Manifest Destiny

• Ideology of Manifest Destiny inspired expansion across North America, justified by perceived racial superiority.

• President Polk sought to acquire California, which Mexico refused to sell.

• The conflict was framed by the U.S. as a defense against Mexican aggression.

Political Opposition

• Notable opposition included concerns over the implications for slavery and fears of an influx of non-white citizens.

• Critics of the war highlighted moral issues regarding American aggression against Mexico.

Frémont and the Bear Flag Revolt

• John C. Frémont's actions during the tensions in California blended scientific ambition with military conquest endeavors.

• The Bear Flag Revolt declared California independent from Mexico before American military occupation.

• Commodore John D. Sloat claimed California for the United States as part of the war effort.

Resistance from Californios

• Californios, under leaders like José María Flores, staged significant resistance against American forces.

• The Battle of San Pascual highlighted the fierce resistance and tactical advantages of the Californios.

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Signed on February 2, 1848, secured significant territorial gains for the U.S.

• Despite the assurances made to Mexican citizens in the newly acquired territories, their land rights were frequently overlooked.

The Gold Rush

Discovery of Gold

• In January 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Coloma, sparking widespread immigration and gold fever.

• This led to a massive influx of settlers from various backgrounds, altering California's demographic landscape.

Impact of the Gold Rush

• The Gold Rush prompted rapid urbanization, with cities like San Francisco transforming overnight.

• Shift in economic structure as California became a key player in national markets, increasing American dominance.

Social Changes

• The Gold Rush significantly altered social dynamics, resulting in increased male-to-female ratios and a notable presence of diverse ethnic groups, particularly Mexicans and Chinese miners.

• Anti-foreign sentiment grew, leading to violence against Mexican, Latin American, and Asian immigrants.

• Vigilante justice emerged in mining camps, often leading to mob rule and systemic discrimination against non-whites.

Joaquín Murrieta's Legend

• Joaquín Murrieta became a symbol of resistance, representing the Mexican and Californio struggles against oppression.

• His story, amidst historical fact and fiction, captured the imagination and resilience of marginalized groups.

California Transformed

Sociopolitical Changes

• The conquest and subsequent Gold Rush led to the transformation of Californio society, reducing their influence and control.

• Racist attitudes became entrenched in California legislation and public sentiment, as Mexican Californians faced systematic discrimination.

Economic Developments

• The mining economy fueled infrastructure projects and agricultural growth, setting the stage for California's future development.

Statehood and Governance

• In 1849, an election was held to form a state government, reflecting the diverse population.

• The new state constitution sought to navigate complex issues of racial and citizenship rights, often resulting in exclusionary practices.

Summary

• The U.S.-Mexican War and the Gold Rush represent transformative events in California's transition into a new era characterized by profound economic and cultural shifts.

• Both events reshaped demographics, economies, and race relations, laying the groundwork for California's future.