California History Timeline

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

Timeline

Introduction

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-1542

1880-1941

1941-2024

1821-1848

1861-1880

1542-1821

1846-1861

Spanish Period

Indigenous Period

American Agricultural Period

Mexican Period

American Frontier California

Glamour Period

Modern American Period

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

-1542

Indigenous Period

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Chumash

Immaterial Culture

Material Culture

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1542-1821

Spanish Exploration

Father Sera

Spanish Period

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Missions

Native Uprisings

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1821-1848

Mexican Period

Mexican Ranchos

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Mexican Trade

American Homeseekers

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1846-1861

American Frontier California

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US-Mexican War

The Gold Rush

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1861-1880

American Agricultural Period

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The Transcontinetal Railroad

The Gilded Age

Immigration

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1880-1941

Glamour Period (part 1)

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Progressivism

Literature

Water Disputes

Oil

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1880-1941

Glamour Period (part 2)

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The Great Depression

Dust Bowl Migration

Hollywood

CALIFORNIA HISTORY

1941-2024

Modern American Period

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World War II

Cold War

Japanese-American Internment

Civil Rights

1542-1769

Spanish Exploration of California

The Spanish Exploration of California marked the initial contact between Europe and California. The Spanish sought to explore the unknown land for three reasons: 1) to Christianize the pagan tribes, 2) to find the wealth of gold rumored to be in the region, and 3) to bring themselves glory and recognition for discovering a new territory. The Spanish Exploration of Calirofrnia paved the way for the future settlement of California by the Spanish. What the explorers gathered about the terrain and native peoples was critical to establishing the future settlements.

1860-1880

Immigration in California

Political and economic instability prompted thousands of Chinese men to immigrate to California in the latter half of the 1800s in search of income. California was known as "Gold Mountain". The Chinese immigrants established a culture in California that was dramatically different from the Anglo-Americans. As they worked on the railroads, in the mines, and on farms, they kept the familiar diet of rice and vegetables and established close-knit communities of fellow Chinese immigrants in "Chinatowns". Immigration to California did not ensure wealth. Irish laborers, also seeking financial stability and opportunity clashed viciously with the Chinese laborers, especially after the Panic of 1873 cost many their jobs. The conflict led to the formation of labor unions in California.

1821-1848

Mexican Ranchos

After the Spanish period was brought to an end after the Mexican War for Independence, the Mexican Rancho became the primary infrastructure of California's society. Ranchos were privately owned by Californios- the settlers from Mexico who came to California. Rancho society developed an elite class of landholders, as well as a thriving economy based on large herds of cattle, and provided the basic social unit for the family.

1542-1821

Spanish Period

The Spanish Period of California History is marked by the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1542. This period is one of exploration and conquest of California by the Spanish. 1769 saw settlements and missions erected by the Spanish. This period is brought to a tumultuous close by the Mexican Revolution. The model of the conquest of the Indigenous people by the Spanish was "Hispanization", or integrating the Natives into the workforce as laborers. Click for more information

1870-1900

The Gilded Age

Beginning in the 1870s, California grew into a robust agricultural and industrial power. This ushed in what is known as the "Gilded Age". The Gilded Age was an era of impressive political, cultural, and economic growth in California, but with the positive growth, corruption also flourished. During the Gilded Age, commercial agriculture flourished as a result of the inventions of the Industrial Revolution such as irrigation techniques and the railroad. Towns and cities began to grow as centers for trade as well as social and political activities. The threat of the Southern pacific as a monopoly under the Robber Barons, led to political and social reform in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

1821-1848

American Homeseekers

During the Mexican Period, many Americans traveled from the East Coast to California by land as an offshoot of the Oregon Trail. Many Americans sought to find new opportunities for wealth and security on the Californian land that was not available with the short growing seasons and harsh climate of the midwest and East Coast. Many were encouraged to come because of the Spanish land grants, such as the one given to John Sutter. These homeseekers faced many dangers on their journey across the country. In the famous case of the Donner Party, the tragedy struck before reaching the promised land of California.

1861-1869

The Transconinental Railroad

The Transcontinental Railroad was a great feat of Industry that revolutionized trade in the United States. Goods could more easily be transported across the country, and the connection of the opposite coasts contributed to creating a unified American culture. The Railroad was built by the "Big Four", Collis Peter Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, and Charles Croker.

1861-1941

American Agricultural Period

The American Agricultural Period was defined by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. This transformed California into a farming economy, with the goods being transported across the United States via the Railroad. Immigration was primarily from Europe and Canada. Click for more information

1941-2024

Modern American Period

This period is one defined by technology and innovation. World War II required the United States to develop a strong military presence in the Pacific. Some of the greatest intellectual and engineering minds at UC Berkley developed the Atomic Bomb. California has since become a hub of innovation and technological advancements. California's economy brings in waves of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and South America. Click for more information

Immaterial Culture

California's Native Peoples

California's Native Peoples had developed religion, art, and strong traditions. Their religion was chiefly animistic and as they did not have a written language, they passed their stories, beliefs, and culture down through the generations through song, dance, art, and storytelling.

1821-1848

Mexican Trade

Trade in the Mexican Period was drastically different from trade in the Spanish Period. After the Mexican War for Independence, California's ports were opened up to the world. The hide and tallow trade were the chief exports of the Pacific Trade and furs were traded overland. The activities of the widespread trade established Monterey as the capital of Mexican California. Trade during the Mexican period brought California to the attention of many countries, most importantly the United States who began to see California as a desirable asset.

Indigenous Period

The Indigenous period of California History is the first major period. Before the Spanish arrival in 1542, California was densely populated by various Native tribes who established their way of life in the diverse ecosystem of California. Click for more information

1869-1941

American Agricultural Period

The American Agricultural Period was defined by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. This transformed California into a farming economy, with the goods being transported across the United States via the Railroad. Immigration was primarily from Europe and Canada.

1713-1784

Father Junipero Sera

Father Sera was a Spanish priest who was instrumental in establishing the Spanish settlements of California. He went on several expeditions to Alta California in spite of a crippling leg injury and built the first missions in California. He was one of the first to hear of the destruction of the San Diego Mission in 1775 and his influence spurred him to write a letter pleading for military support from Mexico. His goal in Alta California was chiefly that of a missionary and priest to serve the native peoples of California.

1941-present

Modern American Period

This period is one defined by technology and innovation. World War II required the United States to develop a strong military presence in the Pacific. Some of the greatest intellectual and engineering minds at UC Berkley developed the Atomic Bomb. California has since become a hub of innovation and technological advancements. California's economy brings in waves of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and South America.

1846-1848

US- Mexican War and Manifest Destiny

Trade during the Mexican Period had made California a valuable asset to the United States. That, coupled with the concept of Manifest Destiny, the concept that America was destined to expand westward and spread the hope of the American Dream as well as Mexico's failing government, made the US-Mexican War inevitable. Americans were already well-established in Mexican territory by the time war broke out in 1846. Americans revolted against the Mexican government and declared California the "Bear Flag Republic" before becoming the 31st US State. The US-Mexican War was ended by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.

1880-1941

Glamour Period

This period is marked by a dramatic increase in population and California's developing identity as a dreamy, coastal haven of prosperity for everyone. Hollywood, a developing market for oranges and citrus, and the booming oil industry are the defining characteristics of this period. Click for more information

Material Culture

California's Native Peoples

California's Native peoples used the natural resources around them to sustain their basic needs. The abundant oak trees provided acorns which were a food staple for most tribes. Most tribes were semi-nomadic, engaging in trade with other tribes, hunting, fishing, and gathering from the natural resources around them.

1542-1821

Spanish Period

The Spanish Period of California History is marked by the arrival of Spanish explorers in 1542. This period is one of exploration and conquest of California by the Spanish. 1769 saw settlements and missions erected by the Spanish. This period is brought to a tumultuous close by the Mexican Revolution. The model of the conquest of the Indigenous people by the Spanish was "Hispanization", or integrating the Natives into the workforce as laborers.

1821-1848

Mexican Period

Mexican settlers began to trickle into California under the Spanish rule. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, Spain lost its hold on California. Though a brief period, the Mexican period of California's history removed Spain's policies of restricted port access and immigration. During this period, the economy of California changed drastically and went from self-sufficient farming to a privately owned ranching economy. This change of economy began a bustling trade and a wave of new immigration. California became a desired acquisition for the United States, which fought a war with Mexico over the western territories from 1846-1847. The end of the Mexican-American War, coupled with the discovery of gold in California brought an end to the Mexican Period. Click for more information

1769-1821

Spanish Settlment of California: Missions

At first, the Spanish did not see a need to settle California or Alta (Upper) California, as they called it. Their settlements in Mexico, or Lower California were established, and settling the North was expensive and dangerous. When competing countries began to express interest in Alta California and Spain needed to establish a Northern port to resupply Spanish trade ships coming across the Pacific Ocean from the Phillipines. The Spanish settled Alta California by establishing Catholic Missions that sought to convert the native peoples and educate them to be civilized Christians that would contribute to the Spanish monarchy. The first mission to be set up was the San Diego Mission founded by Father Junipero Sera in 1769.

Indigenous Period

The Indigenous period of California History is the first major period. Before the Spanish arrival in 1542, California was densely populated by various Native tribes who established their way of life in the diverse ecosystem of California. Click for more information

1821-1848

Mexican Period

Mexican settlers began to trickle into California under the Spanish rule. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, Spain lost its hold on California. Though a brief period, the Mexican period of California's history removed Spain's policies of restricted port access and immigration. During this period, the economy of California changed drastically and went from self-sufficient farming to a privately owned ranching economy. This change of economy began a bustling trade and a wave of new immigration. California became a desired acquisition for the United States, which fought a war with Mexico over the western territories from 1846-1847. The end of the Mexican-American War, coupled with the discovery of gold in California brought an end to the Mexican Period.

1848-1869

American Frontier California

The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the United States of America acquired over 50% of Mexico's territory, including California. 1848 also marked the year when gold was discovered in California. These events ushered in a new period of California's history, one that was distinctly American in values, but it was also a unique frontier of discovery and the hope of wealth. Over the course of five years, a quarter of a million people raced to California, creating a new culture.

1848-1849

The Gold Rush

In January of 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Its discovery was announced in May and by 1849, the world was flocking to get rich in California. The initial wave of immigrants were Americans coming by way of water around South America's Cape Horn and through the Isthmus of Panama or by way of the long, deadly trek of the Overland Trail. The Gold Rush changed California, drawing settlers rapidly and changing its economy.

1848-1861

American Frontier California

The Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848 and the United States of America acquired over 50% of Mexico's territory, including California. 1848 also marked the year when gold was discovered in California. These events ushered in a new period of California's history, one that was distinctly American in values, but it was also a unique frontier of discovery and the hope of wealth. Over the course of five years, a quarter of a million people raced to California, creating a new culture. Click for more information

Chumash Tribe

Santa Barbra Region- Southern California

The Chumash natives of California were the prominent inhabitants of the Santa Barbra region of Southern California. Living on the coast, the Chumash were skilled seafarers. They were one of the few tribes in California that developed more permanent dwellings, relying on the recources from the sea to sustain them year-round.

1900-1921

Progressivism

Progressivism was a global movement prompted in response to the corruption of the Gilded Age. Progressives pushed for more government intervention in businesses. Progressives were chiefly middle class and lived in the urban areas of cities. They were most affected by the corruption and monopolies. Their goal was to create a harmonious and congruent society by reforming restraining big businesses and removing corruption in the government. They also sought to assimilate immigrants and modernize cities by eliminating a crippling class system. Progressives sought to do this by improving the environment that people lived in by improving hygiene, cleaning up the cities, and making education more accessible. Many women joined the Progressive movement. California was motivated to engage in the Progressive movement because of the corruption in politics, particularly in San Francisco. There was also a major earthquake and fire that destroyed San Fransico, encouraging people to start afresh.

1880-1910

California Water Wars

Most of the water in California is found in Northern California. Larger cities in California, such as Los Angeles however, are located in the drier regions of Southern California. As these cities grew, so did their need for a reliable water source. Disputes over how to get enough water in Southern California without harming the environment and agriculture of Northern California arose at the turn of the 20th century. As a result of the Progressive Era, people sought to preserve California's natural beauty and resources. Developers turned their attention to the dry, arid places in California and sought to bring water to make the region a flourishing environment. This prompted the Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902 and the creation of the Bureau of Reclamation. This provided funding to build dams to reroute and control water to the developing areas. The main controversy of the California Water Wars was where to build the dams. A dam was built in the Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite.

1880-1918

California's Literature and Culture

By the end of the 1800s, California had begun to develop a unique literary culture. Based on the romanticized history of the Old World Spanish settlement of Southern California and the glittering ideals of the Gold Rush in Northern California, authors such as Helen Hunt Jackson, Mark Twain, and Charles Fletcher integrated these settings into their stories. In response to the Gilded Age, other Californian writers criticized corruption. Frank Norris, Henry George, Jack London Ambrose Bierce, and Thorstein Veblen all were notable writers in this period.

1886-1920s

Petroleum Industry: Southern California

As early as 1864, oil was discovered in the Ojai Valley in Southern California. In 1886, Lyman Stewart and Wallace L. Hardison drilled for oil in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Their success led them to form first the Sespe Oil Company in 1886 and then the Union Oil Company in 1890. By the end of the 1800s, oil was discovered near Los Angeles in the La Brea Tar Pits. Oil was extremely valuable, especially in the early 1900s with the increase in machinery. The oil boom in Southern California led to the massive construction of oil fields and derricks. The Oil Industry in California contributed to the myth of wealth and prosperity and influenced Southern California's culture.

1925-1960

Hollywood

The movie industry has already taken off on the East Coast, but with the development of Hollywood, the movie industry and California's culture, economy, and history would change forever. The movie industry moved to Los Angeles for a variety of reasons including a better climate for year-round filming, diverse natural scenery, an abundance of cheap land and labor, and the proximity to the West made it possible to put a unique and distinctly American spin to the movie industry.

1929-1939

The Great Depression in California

The Great Depression in California was unique because while California experienced the same extreme economic downturn as the rest of the United States, several factors helped Californians fare better than most Americans. The moderate temperatures in California helped the impoverished survive better than they would have in the Midwest or on the East Coast, the agricultural industry provided a steady source of jobs and food, and the movie industry remained extremely popular during the Great Depression. Despite the many positives, the severity of the Great Depression was still hard of California, and caused many difficulties. Poverty skyrocketed and many were homeless. To add to the problems, the already tight economy was put under more strain when many moved to California from the Midwest after the Dust Bowl. Thousands of Mexcian and Filipino immigrants were deported. Agricultural revenue fell, major companies laid off hundreds of workers, and a fifth of Californians were on public relief.

1930-1936

The Dust Bowl and the Okies in California

In the Midwest, droughts created a series of dust storms that forced people to leave their homes in desperation. Thousands flocked to California and took jobs as migrant workers. They brought their unique Midwestern accents and whatever they could carry in hopes of finding a better life in California. The conflicts over wages led to the formation of Workers and Labor Unions in California. The Okies lived in migrant camps and 'Hoovervilles', and made up one of the most impoverished and pitiful populations in California. Their lives were memorialized in the famous photos taken by Dorothea Lange and in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath (1939).

1941-1945

World War II and California

California was a critical location in World War II for the United States. It offered the closest ports other than Hawaii for the US military to the Pacific front of the war against Japan. California was not only an ideal tactical location for the military, but it also offered advanced technology and innovation. Shipyards were built as well as airfields and military bases. California Universities provided some of the brightest engineering and science minds to the US cause. The labor shortage caused by the draft opened up new jobs and encouraged an influx of people moving to California. The industry and innovation that was established in California during WWII changed California's culture and spurred it from the modern age into the future of technology.

1941-1945

Japanese Internment in California

After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United States declared war on Japan. In California, where many native Japanese and their descendants had made their home, found themselves living in a nation at war against them. In reaction to the fear of the enemy, non-Japanese Americans segregated Japanese and forced them to leave their homes and communities to go to internment camps. The "Relocation" camps were deemed a military 'necessity' and if anyone resisted, they would be arrested. A formal investigation into the camps and treatment of those who lived there was conducted years later in the 1980s and an apology was issued along with restitution from the United States government in 1988.

1775

Destruction of the San Diego Mission

Natives did not always conform to the pressure from the Missions to assimilate into Spanish culture. In the case of the San Diego Mission in 1775, some Kumeyaay natives revolted, brutally murdering the padres. Events like this reinforced the sentiment that the California natives were barbaric and uncivilized. This put even more pressure on the natives to assimilate to Spanish culture. Revolts like the one at San Diego led to more conversations in Spain and Mexico about how to spend resources in California.

1960s-2024

Civil Rights Movement in California

In the 1860s, people began to challenge traditional ideas and the social structure of society. California was a leader in the Civil Rights movement because, over the course of California's history, people from all backgrounds and cultures had sought a future of freedom, equality, and opportunity in California. UC Berkley and San Fransisco had championed forward thinking during WWII and during the Cold War. During the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement took off in these places and was led chiefly by African Americans.

1947-1989

The Cold War and California

During the Cold War, California played a key role in the development and manufacturing of weapons such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. During WWII, California had established its role as the leader in the United States military and technology advancement. Biotechnology, aeronautics, nuclear research, and computer science were important developments headed by California Universities.