Remember that each of the following "questions" are really theses or topics which need to be supported with historical evidence. Prepare a detailed and thoughtful response to each of the following statements, include examples, persons, events, social change and anything else that is relevant:
1. Even in the 21st century California agriculture continues as a very significant segment of the state’s economy. However is it accurate to call California an agricultural Eden? Explain why or why not.
2. Race has often been a major issue in regards American history and this certainly includes California. Starting with the early Spanish exploration of California through the post World War Two era how have racial issues affected the Golden State?
3. In the California of today many speak with some concern regarding the changing ethnic balance within the state. However historically California has always been a very ethnically diverse region. Starting with the Spanish era and ending in the post World War Two era what is the history of California’s ethnic diversity.
4. Since 1769 California was politically dominated in turn by the Spanish, the Mexicans and the Americans. How were all these regimes, cultures and various governing institutions reflected in the original 1849 Constitution and the later revised 1879 version?
5. Since 1769 California’s economy has been effected by a series of important industries each one leaving an important imprint on California’s history. Identify these critical pursuits and explain their importance through the post World War Two era.
6. Many people in California today still claim that the 1849 Gold rush had a greater effect on the evolution of California than any other single event in the history of the state. Is this true? Contrast the “Trek of the Argonauts” and the results with the other major events in California’s glorious nineteenth century history.
7. Once upon a time California was thought to be an actual island and even though this idea proved false the model was useful in many meaningful ways. Why was California though to be an actual island and why does this metaphor have value in describing California through most of the nineteenth century?
8. Contrast and compare the three most important urban centers in California through the nineteenth century. What forces made them important and dominant?
9. Which had a greater impact on the shaping of California, the Gold Rush followed by the Railroad era or The Great Depression followed by World War Two and the immediate post-war era?
10. Compare the careers of John Sutter and Mariano Vallejo.