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The Spanish adventurer, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sets sail into San Pedro Bay and declares the California coastline as territory belonging to the Spanish monarchy. -
Until 1690, settlers from France and Spain actively participate in gold mining activities in North Georgia.
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The colonization of Baja California by Spanish Catholic missionaries, belonging to the Jesuit order, commences with the establishment of Loreto as the initial mission. Over the next 70 years, an additional sixteen missions will be established in the region. -
Alta California is home to approximately 300,000 indigenous people, who are divided into around 80 self-governing groups. These indigenous communities primarily rely on hunting, gathering, and fishing as their means of sustenance. -
The Spanish authorities, deciding to remove the Jesuits from Baja California, expel them from the region. The control and administration of Baja California are subsequently handed over to another Catholic order, the Franciscans. -
The establishment of the first Alta California mission in San Diego by Spanish soldiers and Franciscan friars, led by Father Junípero Serra, is significant in strengthening Spain's control over the region and countering potential Russian expansion from Alaska. The mission plays a crucial role in the forced assimilation and education of indigenous converts, known as "neophytes," in various practical skills. -
Sebastian Vizcaino, on behalf of Spain, discovers a thriving Monterey Bay already inhabited by the Ohlone people. Impressed by its natural beauty and the presence of a well-suited harbor, he claims the area for Spain. Junipero Serra arrives later and establishes a mission, aiming to convert the Native American population to Christianity and introduce Spanish cultural influences. -
As the missionaries make progress along the coast, the introduction of European diseases takes a devastating toll on the indigenous population, resulting in the deaths of thousands. Additionally, a native group launches an attack on Mission San Diego, tragically resulting in the death of Father Luís Jayme. -
The United States of America came into existence on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted and signed. -
The U.S. government and its leaders, influenced by a belief in white superiority and supremacy, pursued policies aimed at the annihilation of Native Americans and the deliberate erasure of their culture, often referred to as "cultural genocide". -
The Spanish monks and soldiers in California faced weakened conditions for battle as a result of inadequate food supplies, mainly due to the region's isolation.
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Conrad Reed discovers a sizeable "yellow rock" weighing approximately 17 pounds near their farm in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. -
The true value of the "yellow rock" discovered by Conrad Reed is eventually recognized when a jeweler in Fayetteville identifies it as a large gold nugget.
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The combined mission ranching operations have gained control of a substantial livestock population, surpassing 100,000 head of cattle.
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A powerful earthquake inflicts severe damage upon the missions at San Juan Capistrano, Santa Barbara, and La Purisima in Lompoc. -
Following a prolonged 11-year war, Mexico successfully attains independence from Spain and assumes authority over both Alta and Baja California. -
The last and northernmost mission in Alta California, San Francisco Solano, is established in Sonoma, marking the 21st and final mission in the region. -
Tragic measles epidemic sweeps missions, claiming 951 adult and 751 child lives, leaving behind profound devastation.
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Gold was found in Georgia in 1828, and the news quickly spread across the United States, igniting excitement among prospectors and fortune seekers. The discovery of gold in Georgia had a significant impact on the state and the country, leading to an influx of settlers and shaping the economy and society of the region. Additionally, the Georgia Gold Rush further fueled the concept of Manifest Destiny, encouraging exploration and settlement in the western regions of the United States.
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A group of settlers from New Mexico established a colony near San Bernardino with the purpose of facilitating the trade of consumer goods between California and Taos.
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The enactment of the Indian Removal Act in the United States marked a significant milestone in the history of forced relocation of Native American tribes. This legislation stripped Indian tribes of their rights to inhabit the eastern United States, compelling approximately 100,000 indigenous people to relocate westward across the Mississippi River from their ancestral lands in the southern regions. -
The Indian population suffered devastating losses, and the forced migration became known as the harrowing "Trail of Blood and Tears." Those tribes who resisted relocation faced military suppression, forcible eviction, and even massacres at the hands of the U.S. government. The grim realities of this dark chapter in history underscore the immense hardships and tragedies endured by Native American communities.
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Mexico's secularization of the missions resulted in a significant land grab, as around 10 million acres passed into private ownership. Instead of benefiting the indigenous population and supporting priests, well-connected individuals with Spanish bloodlines seized the majority of the mission lands. This led to the consolidation of land and the exclusion of indigenous communities from their ancestral territories, exacerbating the challenges faced by Native Americans in Mexico.
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A smallpox epidemic occurred at Mission Dolores in San Francisco. The outbreak of this highly contagious and often deadly disease had a significant impact on the mission and its inhabitants. Smallpox outbreaks were a common occurrence during the colonization era, and they had devastating effects on indigenous populations who had little to no immunity to the disease. -
Additional groups of Taos trappers journeyed to California, bringing with them a diverse array of skills and trades. Among them were butchers, soap makers, cabinet makers, house joiners, sawmill operators, stonemasons, carpenters, boat builders, and ferry operators. Their arrival contributed to the development and growth of various industries and services in California, expanding the range of professions and expertise available in the region. -
The Battle of San Pasqual, which resulted in the highest casualty count in California, witnessed 22 U.S. soldiers losing their lives and 12 Mexican soldiers sustaining injuries. -
The U.S. declares war on Mexico in May. Subsequently, in June, American settlers in Sonoma and Sacramento staged the Bear Flat Revolt, proclaiming California's independence. -
The expedition commences in Springfield, Illinois, led by George Donner, his brother Jacob, and James Frazier Reed, accompanied by their respective families. -
In January 1847, the Treaty of Cahuenga was signed. This agreement marked the end of armed conflict in California during the Mexican-American War. It provided for a ceasefire and established a temporary peace between the United States and Mexico in the region. -
The war in California came to an end in 1847.
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From 1847 to 1849, California was under the control of the U.S. military. During this period, the United States Army assumed governance and administration of the region, overseeing various aspects of civil affairs and maintaining law and order.
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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. The treaty was signed on February 2, 1848, and it recognized the annexation of Texas by the United States and established the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. It also ceded to the United States the territories of California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, in exchange for $15 million in compensation to Mexico. -
Due to the burdensome Foreign Miners Tax and the perceived threats to their safety by Anglo miners, over 15,000 Mexican miners choose to leave the gold fields in California. The combined pressures of financial obligations and hostile conditions drive them to seek alternative opportunities elsewhere. -
The path to statehood for California becomes inevitable, leading to its admission as a free state and a member of the Union. This significant development is achieved through the Compromise of 1850, an agreement reached by the Congress in Washington D.C. -
News of the gold rush extends far beyond the Pacific, attracting approximately 20,000 Chinese immigrants to California in pursuit of the highly anticipated "gold mountain" bonanza. The lure of potential riches draws a significant influx of Chinese individuals to participate in the gold rush. -
The Chinese immigrants establish fishing camps and engage in the fishing and harvesting of abalone. However, due to the slow growth rate of abalone, taking 5-10 years to reach maturity, the population is unable to replenish as rapidly as it is being harvested. As a result, the abalone population in the area becomes depleted by 1856, leading to their disappearance from the region.
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The United States implemented the Homestead Act, allowing any American citizen over the age of 21 to obtain up to 160 acres of land in the western territories. With a nominal registration fee of 10 U.S. dollars, individuals could claim the land and establish their homesteads. This act aimed to encourage westward expansion and settlement by making land ownership more accessible to the general public. -
The Chinese played a crucial role in the construction of the western portion of the railroad in the United States. They made up the majority of the labor force, and their contribution was indispensable in completing this significant national undertaking within the specified timeframe mandated by Acts of Congress. Without their involvement, it would have been nearly impossible to accomplish the construction of the railroad within the allotted time. -
The influx of Chinese immigrants to California escalated, and within two years, approximately 90 percent of the labor force involved in constructing the transcontinental railroad consisted of Chinese workers. -
Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton established the National Woman Suffrage Association, a pivotal organization that effectively orchestrated the nationwide suffrage movement. -
With the completion of the rail link between Monterey and Salinas in 1874, the Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad, an economic boom was triggered, propelling growth and development in the region. -
In 1875, Pacific Grove experienced an influx of visitors who flocked to the area for its summer educational series and to explore the vibrant Chinese community. This surge in tourism became a catalyst for an economic boom, transforming the local economy and bringing prosperity to the region.
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The Chinese Exclusion Act, when implemented, effectively deprived the Chinese community of economic equality and denied them access to the same job opportunities as others. This discriminatory legislation hindered their ability to achieve economic parity and fair employment prospects. -
The Wright Act was a political response aimed at addressing the issue of access to water. It established the concept of "irrigation districts," which were local government agencies entrusted with the management and distribution of water resources. This legislation sought to empower these districts to effectively regulate and allocate water in order to meet the needs of the community. -
In 1890, the Sherman Antitrust Act was enacted to respond to consumer concerns regarding high prices on essential goods and the grievances of competing companies that felt excluded from their industries by dominant corporations. This legislation aimed to curb monopolistic practices and promote fair competition in the marketplace. -
On April 18, 1906, at 5:12 AM, the Great San Francisco Earthquake struck, resulting in the loss of over 3,000 lives and the destruction of more than 80% of the city. Additionally, during this period, the Asiatic Exclusion League was established. -
On October 16, 1916, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association, an organization that played a pivotal role in coordinating the national suffrage movement. -
The Women's Suffrage National Amendment, commonly known as the 19th Amendment, granted women the right to vote. This significant milestone in American history was achieved on August 18, 1920. Concurrently, California implemented the Alien Land Act, a discriminatory law that restricted land ownership rights for immigrants, particularly targeting Asian immigrants. -
Immigration Act of 1924 (Johnson-Reed Act): Established quotas based on national origin, heavily favoring immigrants from Western Europe while severely limiting immigration from other regions. -
Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as the Great Crash, had a profound impact on California and played a significant role in the onset of the Great Depression. The crash marked the collapse of the stock market in the United States, triggering a nationwide economic crisis that lasted throughout the 1930s. California, with its heavy reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, was particularly affected by the economic downturn. -
- U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs initiates forced sterilization of Indian women (Great Depression)
- Dust Bowl begins, causing widespread agricultural devastation (Great Depression)
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September 1: World War II begins with Germany's invasion of Poland, leading to the end of the Great Depression as the U.S. ramps up its military forces. -
- California maintains 16 military aircraft for state defense.
- The establishment of 21 prisoner-of-war camps in California.
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt issues Executive Order 8802, prohibiting racial discrimination in war employment, although racial segregation persists in the military.
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The War Manpower Commission was established during World War II. Included an unpaid "Women's Advisory Board" to provide input on issues related to women in the workforce. Additionally, the commission had the authority to allocate and retain workers in "essential" jobs deemed crucial for the war effort. -
The United States and Mexico signed the "Mexican Farm Labor Agreement," which remained in effect until 1964. This agreement facilitated the legal employment of Mexican laborers in American agricultural fields.
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The Zoot Suit Riots: White Sailors Target Latino Youth in L.A., Igniting Citywide Tensions -
Port Chicago Disaster: Tragic Explosion During Ammunition Loading (320 Dead, ~400 Injured) -
- Fair Employment Practices Act: Bans worker discrimination by employers and labor unions.
- Unruh Civil Rights Act: Prohibits discrimination in businesses, enables victims to pursue damages in state courts (based on race, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, color, religion, medical status, and disability).
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FDA Approves World's First Commercial Birth Control Pill, Empowering Women's Reproductive Choices -
Rumford Fair Housing Act: Law Banning Racial Discrimination in Housing -
California experiences a major energy crisis, leading to rolling blackouts and highlighting issues with the state's energy infrastructure.
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The global financial crisis takes a toll on California's economy, resulting in high unemployment rates and budget deficits.
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Salmon Shortage in California: Drought and Water Diversions Deplete Rivers
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The Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) is passed in California, making it the first state to implement comprehensive legislation to tackle climate change.
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California enacts the California Dream Act, enabling undocumented immigrant students to access state financial aid for higher education.
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During one of its most devastating wildfire seasons, California experienced wildfires in various locations, including: Kincade Fire (Sonoma County), Mendocino Complex Fire (Mendocino, Lake, and Colusa counties), and Thomas Fire (Ventura and Santa Barbara counties).
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The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacts California, leading to health crises, economic disruptions, and significant disruptions in education and employment, affecting thousands of people statewide.
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California encounters severe drought conditions and water scarcity, prompting the implementation of conservation measures and raising concerns about the impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.