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1500
California Native Populations
Before the first documented contact from the Spanish, many diverse Native communities lived in California. Most tribal people were developing extensive trading networks with near and far groups. Through the study of climate change, linguistics, and archeology, researchers have made great discoveries of their way of living before Spanish arrival. -
Period: Jan 1, 1500 to Sep 28, 1542
Pre-Contact
Pre-contact California refers to the period before European contact. -
Period: Sep 9, 1542 to
Spanish Era
California was under Spanish rule from this time to 1821. The Spanish colonial period was the establishment of missions, presidios, and pueblos, however, that led to the disruption of the culture and the lives of Native Californians. -
Sep 28, 1542
First Documented Contact
The first documented European contact with California happened by 1542 when Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo arrived in what is now the San Diego Bay. During his expedition, he interacted with the Native communities. He had estimated that the Chumash population exceeded 1500 people. He claimed the territory for Spain, which set the beginning of the Spanish era in California. -
Mission San Diego de Alcalá
As a result of Spain's desire to expand its global bureaucracy, Spain began to organize its Mission system in California. They believed that under the Mission system, they would be able to unify the people under Catholicism, especially the Native people. Within the California system, 21 missions were constructed across the bay line. The first being the Mission San Diego de Alcalá. -
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel
Mission San Gabriel Arcángel was the fourth Mission to be established in California. It was founded on September 8, 1771. It was built on the Tongva village of Toviscanga and its arrival impacted the Native people. They experienced soldier barbarity, such as invading Tongva villages and raping the women. As a result, these actions introduced rising STD rates. This evidently slowed down their rate of conversion, with only 73 convertees. -
Syphilis Rates of Tongva People
About a third of the Tonga people by San Gabriel Mission had been infected with syphilis due to soldier’s barbarity. This led to the decrease in population for many Native groups in California. -
Kumeyaay Attack on Mission San Diego de Alcalá
In November 1775, an estimated of 800 Kumeyaay people, including those who had been converted to Christianity and others who were not, attacked Mission San Diego de Alcalá. They were upset over the violent sexual assaults that were occurring under missionary supervision, and the overall disruption of their way of life by the Spanish. -
El Presidio De Santa Barbara
Spanish army officer Jose Francisco Ortega, with 7 other officers, 34 soldiers, about 10 Native "attendants", established Presidio in what is now known as Santa Barbara. A presidio was a frontier military outpost. Yaninali, chief of the largest village, and other allies agreed to help build the Presidio with two conditions: to not be forced into Catholism and to be paid for their labor. -
Measles Epidemic
A Measles Epidemic hits the Native communities, which caused about 40% of children to die. This caused a rapid decline in the population. This was a result of the disease being new to the population. This meant that they did not have the immunity to fight against Measles, making it very dangerous of young children. -
Spain Convenes Cortes de Cadiz
Spain Convenes Cortes de Cadiz, which propelled a movement towards indigenous and colonial representation. They outlined a plan for indigenous freedom and full citizenship throughout Spanish empire. -
Spanish Constitution
With the revision of the Spanish Constitution, it led to indigenous and colonial-born subjects to have full citizenship. Over the following 10 years, Spain loosens grip of missionaries on California and began land redistribution back to its people. They converted all missions into parish churches, liquidates all other assets, and freed indigenous residents. -
Instability In the Missions
After the 1820's, missions in California began to lose stability in their power and presence as tensions accelerated. The soldliers, missionaries, and tribal people found any reason to fight out their tensions. The most organized revolts were from the Chumash in 1824, and the Estanislao between 1828 and 1829. -
Mexican Independence
In 1821, Mexico gains independence after a decade of struggling. The Mexican secular government officially take over the government of California. -
Period: to
Mexican Era
California was part of Mexico from 1821 to 1848, after Mexico gained independence from Spain. This period led to ranching becoming the main economic force in the state. In this period, there is an emergence of Californios, a culture of mixed Spanish and Native American heritage. -
Chumash War
The Chumash were forced to work for the Mexican army which caused lots of frustration. On February 1824, the beating of a Chumash person by a Santa Ynez soldier sparked an armed revolt that rapidly spread. It led to a month long occupation of La Purisima -
Indian Freedom Plan
In 1824, California enacted a constitutional act which granted full citizenship rights to Native Americans, including the right to vote and hold public office. However, that did not stop the racism and discrimination that they encountered from the new settlers. -
Estanislao's War
In 1828, Estanislao, a Yokuts leader, led a revolt against the missions in California. He and his followers, including neophytes and indigenous warriors, fled Mission San José and formed a resistance group. This group, known as the "Estanislao's Rebellion," engaged in raids, primarily to obtain food and other resources. Estanislao and his followers were eventually caught and returned to the missions after a series of military expeditions. -
Indian Slave Trade
Around 1830, it was common practice from white settlers in Northern California to kidnap Native Americans from their homes and enslave them. Most were enslaved children, whose parents were killed by their kidnappers. By 1846, most families in the Bay Area had Native people for servants. -
Secularization Act
In 1834, the Mexican government implemented the Secularization Act, formally ending the California mission system. Even though the act was intended to give mission land back to the Native Americas, most of the land ended in the hands of the Mexican settlers. -
1841 Preemption Act
The Preemption Act of 1841 was an extension to the existing Preemption Act of 1830. It essentially allowed squatters to purchase up to 160 acres of land at a low price before it was offered for sale to the general public. This was an issue in California since they had their own way of claiming territory called disenos. They used hand drawn maps depicting natural boundaries of land grants. This caused many rancheros to sell their land to hire lawyers at court against the new comers. -
Donner Party
The Donner Party was a group of American pioneers who were stranded in the Sierra Mountains as they traveled to California. They experienced many setbacks and delays that caused them to be stuck in the harsh winter, with limited supplies, in the Sierras. As a result, they resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Eventually, a rescue party found them and brought them to California, but by that time, many of the party did not make it. -
Mexican American War
The Mexican-American War, fought from 1846 to 1848, was a conflict between the United States and Mexico over the annexation of Texas and the border between the two nations. The war resulted in a significant expansion of U.S. territory, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. -
Native American Massacres
Between 1846 to 1873, 370 massacres occurred as state government approved bounties against Native Americans. Private militias or solo were responsible for these attacks, which were usually planned for during religious ceremonies and villages. -
Fremont 1846 Excursion
The Fremont 1846 Excursion was an expedition led by John Fremont and his men which led to the involvement in the Bear Flag Revolt. This excursion occurred in mostly upper Sacramento River. It estimates to be 1000 Winton casualties and no injuries for Americans. Fremont eventually became U.S. senator form California. -
Period: to
Gold Rush Era
The California Gold Rush was a period of intense migration to California when gold was found. This event impacted the state's population and economy as well. As a result of the incoming migration, this led to intense racism against the incoming immigrants, that were following their dreams. -
Gold Discovery
The California Gold Rush began on January 24, 1848, when gold was found by James Marshall at Sutter's Mill in California. The Gold Rush occurred in 3 stages. The first stage, Spring of 1848, it was mostly local people and enslaved Natives who worked on the northern mines. The second stage, Summer and Fall of 1848, word spread further and experienced miners from foreign regions. The last stage, between 1849 to 1854, the less experienced miners came to California to ease their gold fever. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
California stopped being part of Mexico in February 1848 with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty ended the Mexican-American War and relocated a great amount of territory. -
Removal Plan
Fremont created a removal plan from 1849 to 1850. Policy of state removal and displacement for Native Americans was implemented. This led to the rejection of treaties, the establishment of temporary reservations, and the actions of the newly elected state senators. -
The Act for the Government and Protection of Indians
The Act for the Government and Protection of Indians facilitated the forced labor and removal of Native Americans from their lands. It authorized the seizure of Native Americans as vagrants and their sale into forced labor, denying them their freedom and autonomy. -
Land Act of 1851
The California Land Act of 1851 was a law passed by the U.S. Congress to determine the validity of Spanish and Mexican land grants in California. As a result, this led to many Californios to lose their lands and properties. -
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad connected the East and West coasts of the United States by railroad. Built by the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, the project was completed on May 10, 1869. Chinese immigrants played a huge role in the construction. Push factors like violence, and poverty influenced them to come to California, in hopes of finding the American Dream. However, they faced racism and low wages apart form the harsh conditions they faced. -
Los Angeles Massacre
The Los Angeles Chinese massacre of 1871 was a racial massacre targeting Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles, California, United States that occurred on October 24, 1871. -
Modoc War
Tensions rose when the Modoc refused to be removed from their lands and reside in Klamath territory. Modoc leader, Kintpuash, gathered about 180 warriors. It began with a standoff with U.S. army at the lava beds, where General Edw. Canjy was killed, with 75 of white soldiers and 5 Native Americans. Kintpuash later surrenders on June 1 and is executed. This shows one of the forms that Native Americans resisted. -
San Francisco Population
After the Gold Rush, San Francisco population increased quickly. In 1860, the population was 57,000. In 1870, the population grew to 150,000. By 1880, the population was 240,000. It's economy grew as the city became a port for the state's trade. -
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
The Chinese Exclusion Act was a law that prohibited the immigration of Chinese laborers. The act also denied naturalization rights to Chinese already in the US. During this time, the Chinese faced racism in many forms. They were forced to live within the walls of Chinatown, which was overcrowded and unsanitary. White peopled claimed that it was unfair competition because the Chinese can "underlive" whites. -
Sawyer Act
The Sawyer Act resulted to effectively ending hydraulic mining in California. Hydraulic mining would led to erosion on the mountain side and released toxic minerals into the water and land. It was harmful for the environment. -
Massacre of Wounded Knee
In 1870, tribe leader Tavibo organized a spiritual ceremony called the Ghost Dance. It was prophesized that the Earth would swallow all white people, and all dead Native Americans would return to live in eternal harmony. The U.S feared the movement, so in 1890, the U.S. army attacked the Lakota people who were assembled in Wounded Knee. At least 150 Lakota were killed with 25 American soldiers. Two-thirds of the victims were women and children -
Period: to
Progressive Movement
The Progressive Movement was not what we consider "progressive." In this era, this main goal was to reform while using the government to reform all forms of huge societal issues. It was not a formal political party in California. -
The Octopus
The Octopus was a novel published by Frank Norris. In his book, he addressed the conflicts between California ranchers and wheat growers on the one side and the railroad and its political machine on the other. The octopus was a metaphor for the railroad monopoly. they had the political and economic power to do anything for their own advancement. -
The Jungle
The Jungle, written by Upton Sinclair, was a book that unveiled the meat packing industry and propelled federal meat inspection law. He wanted to exposed the realities of harsh working conditions and capitalism. -
1906 San Francisco Earthquake
The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, with an magnitude of 7.9, caused widespread damage and loss of life. Most damage was from the fire after the earthquake. Both rich and poor were affected. After, San Francisco reformers looked for a new water source: Yosemite. -
Special Elections
Women's suffrage, and Initiative, Referendum, Recall, and Direct election of Senators -
Alien Land Act
It restricted land ownership and leasing for Japanese immigrants and others deemed ineligible for U.S. citizenship. This was a result of the ongoing efforts to continue to treat Japanese immigrants as second class citizens. -
Raker Act
The Raker Act granted San Francisco the right to build the O'Shaughnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley within Yosemite National Park. It is controversial for its effects on the environment. -
Prohibition Act
The 1919 Prohibition Act enacted to enforce the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. -
Child Labor Ban
This law counted for children under the age of 14 for all industries except agriculture. -
Period: to
Great Depression
During the Great Depression, California experienced a significant wave of migrants from the Dust Bowl, along with economic hardship and social tensions. The state's economy faced challenges, including high unemployment and decreased income. As a result of this anger, they viewed incoming immigrants as threats to their jobs and income. -
The Great Dust Bowl
In the first 3 decades of 1900s, there were various advancements in farming technology. Farming increased in the plains. In 1930, a severe drought struck the Great Plains. As drought followed, the topsoil that was lifted from the farming became dust and created dust storms. As a result, many people left their homes in the Plains and immigrated to California, even though they faced discrimination. -
EPIC Plan Movement
The EPIC movement formed the basis for Sinclair's campaign for governor of California in 1934. His idea was to give the unused farming lands to unemployed people so they can have jobs during the depression. The EPIC committees united the Democratic party, and for the first time, outnumbered the Republican party. -
Mexican Farm Labor Program
The Bracero Program was an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that allowed Mexican citizens to work legally, primarily in agriculture. This program was established to address labor shortages during World War II. However, they only received $30 per month, housing, and minimal health care. They faced discrimination, but under the "non-discrimination clauses," they were protected. Mexican government prohibited Braceros in Texas due to violence. -
War Manpower Commission
During World War 2, Roosevelt founded the War Manpower Commission to manage and allocate the nation's workforce. It aimed to manage industrial, military, and farm labor. They had the power to keep workers in essential jobs and supervise wages/hours of work. -
Executive Order 9066
In Feburary 1942, the government called for removal of all people of Japanese decent to 'Special Military Exclusion Zone' on the West Coast. The order was a response to fears about Japanese-American loyalty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The internment is known as the "Great Forced Migration" in the US. Most of these people were from California, with 65% being citizens, and more than half were under 18 years of age. Other racial groups did not meet the same fate. -
Zoot Suit Riots
The Zoot Suit Riots involved white servicemen and civilians attacking Mexican American men wearing zoot suits by tearing their clothes off their backs and beaten. 500 young Latinos were arrested and no sailor or solider were arrested. The Mexican consulate threatens to stop the guest worker program due to the displayed racial violence. -
Korematsu v. United States
In Korematsu v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1944 that the forced relocation of Japanese Americans to internment camps during World War II was constitutional. -
Port Chicago Disaster
The explosion, which occurred while two ships were being loaded with ammunition, resulted in destruction and sparked a series of events that highlighted racial injustices within the military and the need for reform. 320 were killed and about 400 were injured. 65% were Black people. As a result, 50 black sailors refused to go back to work after recovery, and were arrested and convicted for mutiny. -
Mendez v. Westminster
In the case of Mendez v. Westminster, a federal court ruled that forced school segregation based on national origin was unconstitutional in California. It was big step forward for education in the U.S that paved for equal rights and opportunities. -
Operation "Wetback"
The operation used military-style tactics to remove Mexican immigrants, some of them American citizens from the United States. Though millions of Mexicans had legally entered the country through joint immigration programs, Operation Wetback was designed to send them back to Mexico. -
Fair Employment Practices Act
The Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) of 1959 was a landmark piece of California legislation that prohibited discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, and religious creed. -
Freeway and Expressway Act
The Federal-Aid Highway Act established the foundation for the U.S. Interstate Highway System. It led to the construction of a 41,000-mile network of highways. This act was a pivotal moment in American history, transforming transportation and shaping the country's infrastructure. -
Unruh Civil Rights Act
The Unruh Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in businesses and public accommodations. It guarantees equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services to all individuals within the state, regardless of characteristics like sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, etc. -
State Water Project
The goal was to improve the state's water infrastructure. The state did not have enough water for the post-war population growth. It is crucial for the region's drinking water and provides 80% of industrial water needs in urban areas. Therefore, they wanted to provide more water to southern California. 21 dams were bought with 700 and more miles of canals and pipelines. It is still in operation today. -
Donahoe Act
The Donahoe Higher Education Act codified the California Master Plan for Higher Education. It defined the roles and responsibilities of the state's three public higher education systems: the University of California, the California State University, and the California Community Colleges. -
Rumford Fair Housing Act
The Rumford Fair Housing Act prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, and ancestry. -
1964 Free Speech Movement
The 1964 Free Speech Movement, at the University of California, Berkeley, showed American student activism and the fight for free speech and academic freedom. Students protested against university restrictions on political activity, demanding the right to express themselves freely on campus. As a result of their protests, the university had to overturn policies that limited student speech. -
1965 Immigration and Nationality Act
The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act changed US immigration policy. It replaced the discriminatory national origins quota system with a preference system prioritizing family reunification and skills. The Hart-Cellar Act, more than any other federal law, resulted in the diversifying the demographics of California in the modern era. -
Chicano Moratorium
The 1970 Chicano Moratorium was a major Chicano Movement protest held primarily in East Los Angeles. It was a demonstration against the Vietnam War and to address issues of racism, discrimination, and police brutality against Chicanos in the United States.