Background
On January 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered gold while working on building a sawmill. The discovery encouraged settlers to move to California. People from all over the world came. Because so many people moved to one region so fast, it was chaotic. California was originally a colony of Spain; however in 1821 Mexico invaded and took over California. The Mexican-American War broke out. The war was over on February 2, 1848. Because of Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico surrendered California and other territories to the U.S.
During the 1800s many believed in the idea Manifest Destiny, that the United States had the rights to expand from coast to coast. The rapid expansion of California was part of the plan to fulfill the destiny that many Americans shared. President James K Polk originally tried to purchase California but the Mexican Government said no. So Polk instigated war by entering disputed lands. Mexico lost the war and were forced to leave California as well as other territories in February 1848 which coincided with Marshall's discovery of gold. His discovery soon helped Manifest Destiny along, and soon brought a hasty and dramatic change to California.
During the 1800s many believed in the idea Manifest Destiny, that the United States had the rights to expand from coast to coast. The rapid expansion of California was part of the plan to fulfill the destiny that many Americans shared. President James K Polk originally tried to purchase California but the Mexican Government said no. So Polk instigated war by entering disputed lands. Mexico lost the war and were forced to leave California as well as other territories in February 1848 which coincided with Marshall's discovery of gold. His discovery soon helped Manifest Destiny along, and soon brought a hasty and dramatic change to California.