Rancho life in early California involved large extended families living together and eating meals prepared by Indian cooks that consisted of beef, tortillas, peppers, and fruits. Most people were illiterate. Thomas Larkin was instrumental in encouraging California to become a US state as the first American consul. John Fremont helped lead the Bear Flag Revolt and raised the first American flag. The 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded Mexican territory including California to the US. James Marshall's 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill sparked the California Gold Rush, causing the population to boom from 10,000 to 255,000 as men sought riches.

1. Assignment 4: California Part 1 By: Michael Wittman

2. A Troubled Territory Rancho Life: Large extended families lived close together Dinners were prepared by Indian cooks. Families met for each meal and there were 3 full meals and 2 snacks. Most of the population was illiterate. Everybody was related by blood or baptismal relationship. Types of food eaten were beef, tortillas, peppers, and many types of fruits.

3. A Troubled Territory Thomas Oliver Larkin: Originally from Massachusetts. His wife Rachel Larkin was the 1st American woman in California. His son Thomas Larkin Jr. was the 1st American child born in California. He built the first two story house in California. In 1844 Larkin was appointed an American Consul and confidential agent. Was given secret orders by James Buchanan to encourage the Californios to become an American state.

4. A Troubled Territory John Charles Fremont: Lead the bear flaggers revolt by declaring California a republic and arresting General Vallejo. Raised a bear flag that the current state flag is modeled after. Helped Captain Gillespie take over Los Angeles on January 10, 1847 at the Battle of La Mesa. Also raised the first American flag in California suggesting U.S. takeover.

5. Striking It Rich Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: Signed on February 2, 1848 The U.S. gained all Mexican territory north of the Rio Grande in return for $15 Million and $3.25 Million in claims. Due to a disagreement between the North and South over slavery the federal government watched over California. California had an alcalde system that allowed people to work in the state.

6. Striking It Rich James Wilson Marshall: (Marshall at Sutter’s Fort) Lived from 1810 to 1885. From New Jersey, arrived at Sutter’s Fort in July 1845. He was commissioned by Sutter to build a water based sawmill. On January 24, 1848 Marshall discovered gold nuggets on a gravel bed. This prompted the start of the California gold rush.

7. Striking It Rich California Gold Rush: Caused California’s population to grow from 10,000 to 255,000. Men from all over the world came to California looking to strike it rich. Most came from China and Australia. 1 in 12 men died in their attempt to find gold. Total gold found was worth $594 Million which is equal to $10 billion in 2001. Led to one of California’s first laws, a $20 a month tax on all foreigners.

8. War and Peace Yellow Peril Movement: Started after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Japanese children were segregated in public schools. Japanese people were banned from owning land. Led to the White California Movement. Also led to 110,000 Japanese Americans being placed in camps similar to concentration camps in California.

9. War and Peace Lieutenant General John L. Dewitt: Lived from 1880-1962 Head of the Western defense command. Thought the Japanese were a dangerous element to the United States. Issued Proclamation Number One on March 1, 1942 which made western parts of California, Oregon, and Washington military zones. All Japanese Americans were to be removed from these areas.

10. War and Peace Disneyland: Opened up in July 1955. Helped express the continuation of small town life. Suggested that urban environments can be created. Was supposed to be a vision of what a post war generation would look like. Helped areas of Orange County grow and develop including many hotels and resorts surrounding Disneyland. Institutions like Disneyland were utopian statements.