2. Great Expectations
First 40 years of CA organized political and
socioeconomic structures
Second 40 years public works infrastructure
of CA established
2/3 of annual precipitation falls in northern
third of state
1878 Drainage Act
William Hammond Hall
3. Great Expectations
Where should southern CA get water
Gravity canal, tap Colorado river
May 14,1901 last head gate lifted
Homestead Act of 1862
Desert Land Act of 1877
Carey Land Act of 1894
October 1904 CA development company cut
second canal
Illegally done, disaster waiting to happen
Colorado river poured into the valley almost
drowning southern CA
4. Great Expectations
Technology used for Gold Rush led to technology
if irrigation
1900 40% of population lived in Bay area or
Greater LA
They would need more water
Took 6+ years to construct LA aqueduct
Monumental damage to environment
San Francisco needed better architecture
Great depression witnessed continuing creation
statewide infrastructure
5. Ecumenopolis
CA has ethnic diversity
Native American Era, spanish and Mexican
Era
English, American, French and Russian
settlers
Not everyone treated fairly
Early 1900’s San Francisco had a higher
proportion of foreign- born residents
6. Ecumenopolis
1920’s saw influx of Mexicans into fields of CA
WWII brought thousands of Africans
1965 immigration and Nationality Acts
Dramatic rise in the Asian population
7. Ecumenopolis
August 11, 1965 Watts riots
Blacks vs. whites
LA riots of April-may 1992
Blacks and browns vs. whites and koreans
Debate regarding race and ethnicity now
shifted to affirmative action
Now focus on bilingual education
8. Sources
Starr, Kevin. California: A History. 2007
Modern Library Paperback Edition. USA.
2005.