California is one of the largest states in the US (trailing Alaska and Texas in size) and is referred to as the Golden State, which originates from the gold rush of 1849. Very few miners did anything but become broke, while those that supplied the miners with materials grew very rich.
California is located along the west coast of the United States and is one of the most visited places on the planet. The capital has moved over time but is currently in Sacramento, located in the central part of the state.
The California coastline has a Mediterranean climate and as such, has attracted large populations and have successfully used political means, particularly in the southern region (Los Angeles in particular) to redirect water resources from both northern regions and other states to serve thirsty populations. Central California is the breadbasket of the nation.
The land that is now California state was occupied by natives for perhaps tens of thousands of years. Scientists now believe those natives took the long journey across a natural bridge that connected Asia what is now Alaska. Mexico claimed ownership of what is now California and to some extent, controlled its use for several hundred years through a network of missions, with their primary purpose to convert natives to Christianity.
The USA annexed California as a result of the Mexican-American war, a war instigated by a minor border dispute that turned into a broader conflict. In any case, the USA prevailed and the state now boasts the 5th largest economy in the world. Ironic to note that the state is now 51% minority, mostly Spanish speaking, so Latin America may have won the war in the long run.
Los Angeles is the most populous city in California and is located in the southern half of the state. It is a great and very diverse city; ...
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