How Alta California Became American: No Rebel Independence, Just War & Treaty

Contrary to the premise, no rebel government declared independence from Mexico in Alta California. The transition happened through war and diplomacy.

The Actual Sequence

1. 1846: U.S. declares war on Mexico (May).
2. June–July 1846: U.S. Navy (Sloat, Stockton) and Army (Kearny, Frémont) seize Monterey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Fe.
3. July 1846: Brief "Bear Flag Revolt" (Sonoma) — settlers declare "California Republic" for 25 days, then welcome U.S. forces.
4. 1847: Treaty of Cahuenga ends Mexican resistance in California.
5. 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo — Mexico cedes Alta California (plus NM, AZ, etc.) to U.S. for $15M.
6. 1850: California admitted as 31st state (free).

Why No Independent Republic?

• Californios (Mexican-era elites) divided; many collaborated with U.S.
• U.S. military presence overwhelming.
• Gold discovered (Jan 1848) accelerated Americanization.
• No cohesive independence movement like Texas (1836).

Key Figures

Commodore Sloat, General Kearny, John C. Frémont, Mariano Vallejo, Andrés Pico.