jan 18, 1847 - Fremont conquers California

Description:

The acquisition of California was the golden prize for U.S. expansionists, and the natural conclusion of Manifest Destiny. Anglos, living in California in the 1840's, were outnumbered by Indians and Mexicans nearly 100 to 1. American settlers in the Sacramento Valley declared California a territory in revolt (they adopted the Bear as symbol for their flag, thus Bear Flag Republic) against Mexican authority in June 1846, a full 6 months before Captain Fremont and Commodore Stockton were able to militarily secure this territory for Uncle Sam in Jan 1847.