History

Native Americans

California has been inhabited for thousands of years. When Europeans first arrived there were a number of Native American tribes in the area including the Chumash, Mohave, Yuma, Pomo, and Maidu. These tribes spoke a number of different languages. They were often separated by geography such as mountain ranges and desserts. As a result, they had different cultures and languages from the Native Americans to the east. They were mostly peaceful people who hunted, fished, and gathered nuts and fruit for food.

Native Americans

ü tribes with different cultures  separated by geographical aspects

ü peaceful life in harmony with nature

1547 Spanish ship first to visit California

1579 English Explorer claimed coast near San Francisco

1769,  Spanish began to build  21 missions along the coast

ü  San Diego and LA are result of presidios

1821 California became state of Mexico

The Bear Republic

1840: Many settlers were moving from the east to the west --> Oregon Trail and California Trail

--> Conflicts with the Mexicans

1846: Declaration of Independency of the Bear Flag Republic

Becoming a state

1846 - 1848: The Mexican-American War

--> California became territory of the United States

1850: Union as the 31st state

Gold Rush

1848: Discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill

--> Tens of thousands of treasure hunters moved to California

1848 - 1855: Over 300.000 people settled down

Agriculture

1869: Transcontinental Railroad

California became a major farming state --> especially apricots, almonds, tomatoes, grapes

Hollywood

1900's: Many major motion picture companies set up shop --> Closeness to several settings as the beach, the mountains, and the desert