RawSasquatch/Kramer's New Civilizations

Early history:
The area that is now California was the home of various Native American tribes for approximately 13,000 years. Over 100 different tribes lived in the area. Before the European period, California held about one third of the Native American population in what is now the United States.
Mexican period
After Mexico gained independence from Spain, California became part of the Mexican empire. Many ranches were built during the time California was under Mexican rule, and Californios(Spanish speaking Californian) received land and developed trade with American merchants. During this period, the Russian empire established trade outposts in the area and explored the Californian coast.
During Mexican rule, California was subject to many rebellions.
California republic
The California republic was a short lived state that for a few weeks in 1846 controlled the area north of San Francisco bay in present day California.
The republic lasted from the bear flag revolt to the occupation of Sonora by the U.S. military.
Californian gold rush
The Californian gold rush began on January 24, 1848 when gold was found by James w. Marshal at Sutter’s mill, in Coloma, California. The gold rush brought about 300,000 gold seekers to California, and had large effects on the development of California. California became a center of world immigration, as steamships came into regular service and railroads connected California to the eastern United States. The arrival of the miners also boosted other economies around the world, as many farmers around the world found new market for their food.
The gold rush also had major effects on the environment and on Native American population. Chemicals from the prospecting operations killed fish and destroyed many other habitats, eliminating the main source of food for the Native Americans. The Native American territory was reduced because of the establishing of mining camps, and many of the Native Americans died of diseases that the European miners brought, such as smallpox.
After the rush has ended, many anti foreign laws and taxes were introduced to drive the foreigners out of the mines. Many foreigners were attacked.
The Californian gold rush left its mark on California, as many symbols representing California today originated from the gold rush, including the Californian national motto.
Modern California:
California continued growing as an industrial and economic power in modern times, with Hollywood becoming a major and important center for film industry, and the Silicon Valley becoming the home of many large technology corporations, and also the home of small startup companies. California is also the home of a major aerospace industry, with many aerospace laboratories, rocket testing sites, and air force bases and aircraft factories located in California. California is also the home of many shipyards, and has some naval bases in its territory. California is also a neutral gas and oil exporter, exporting more oil than any other state in the United States.
Because of the major water requirements for the Californian population, many aqueducts, dams and other water irrigation systems were built in California. Many hydroelectric power plants were built at California.
Geography and climate:
California features many deserts and valleys, but also many mountains. Sierra Nevada is home to one of the world’s most massive trees, the giant sequoia, and of the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mt. Whitney, while the basin and range area is home for the lowest point in the United States, the Death Valley. California is also the home of many lakes.
The climate of California varies widely, depending on proximity to the coast and other factors. The costal and southern parts of the country have Mediterranean climate, and the country is subject to storms.