Grade 4 students explore the events that led to California becoming a U.S. state in 1850, including the roles of the Mexican-American War, the Gold Rush, and the Bear Flag Revolt. Using Social Studies Alive! California's Promise, students examine how foreign interest from Russia and increasing American migration transformed California from a sparsely settled territory into a booming region seeking statehood. The lesson introduces key vocabulary such as forty-niner, pioneer, republic, and constitution within the context of California's path from Mexican rule to U.S. membership.
Section 1
Early Settlers in Mexican California
In the early 1800s, California was part of Mexico. It was a quiet land with few people, but other countries saw its rich resources.
Russian traders came to hunt for valuable furs along the coast.
Section 2
The United States Gains California
Some American settlers in California grew unhappy with Mexican rule. In 1846, they started the Bear Flag Revolt and declared California an independent republic. They even created a new flag with a bear on it.
At the same time, the United States and Mexico were fighting a war. The U.S. won, and in 1848, the two countries signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This agreement officially made California part of the United States.
Section 3
The Discovery of Gold and the Forty-Niners
On January 24, 1848, a carpenter named James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill.
News of this amazing find spread quickly. Suddenly, people from all over the world wanted to come to California.
Section 4
Californians Write Rules for Statehood
The Gold Rush brought so many people to California that it needed a government right away.
In 1849, leaders from different backgrounds met in Monterey to write a plan for how to run the new state.
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Section 1
Early Settlers in Mexican California
In the early 1800s, California was part of Mexico. It was a quiet land with few people, but other countries saw its rich resources.
Russian traders came to hunt for valuable furs along the coast.
Section 2
The United States Gains California
Some American settlers in California grew unhappy with Mexican rule. In 1846, they started the Bear Flag Revolt and declared California an independent republic. They even created a new flag with a bear on it.
At the same time, the United States and Mexico were fighting a war. The U.S. won, and in 1848, the two countries signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This agreement officially made California part of the United States.
Section 3
The Discovery of Gold and the Forty-Niners
On January 24, 1848, a carpenter named James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill.
News of this amazing find spread quickly. Suddenly, people from all over the world wanted to come to California.
Section 4
Californians Write Rules for Statehood
The Gold Rush brought so many people to California that it needed a government right away.
In 1849, leaders from different backgrounds met in Monterey to write a plan for how to run the new state.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter