In the early days of California under the United States, change was fast and dizzying. The Gold Rush fueled massive population growth not only from Americans but from people around the world who heard of riches beyond their imaginations flowing from California’s rivers. But this influx of people caused racial tensions to rise. The merging of Natives, Latinos, Anglos, Chinese, and Irish paved the path for a deadly conflict of cultures that persisted for decades. In addition, the debate surrounding California’s admission to the union as a free or slave-holding state divided not only Californians but the democratic party itself. 

Wrought with conflict, the people of Southern California persisted with their hopes and dreams of prosperity as a guiding light. Their ambition burned bright, a beacon of hope against the chaos.

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