We Accuse Colored Peoples of California V. State of California

Students focus on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and why the Chinese Exclusion Act is important when considering the concept of racism.

Students view and discuss historical documents regarding Native Americans and Californians prior to the gold rush in the 1940's. They complete a variety of activities designed to show what they have learned from these sources and class...

This site has a lesson about the ranching industry, creation of California towns and the changes over time. Contains information, inquiry question, historical context, maps, readings, and images.

Primary source images that highlight Chinese immigrants to California, the perceptions held about them and the sentiment leading to the Chinese Exclusion Act.

Describes the events that led to the California Gold Rush, the lives of the miners, the discrimination faced by Chinese immigrant miners and African Americans, the women who mostly stayed behind when their husbands went west as well as...

This resource presents information about the Chinese miners who came to California during the gold rush period of American history and faced discrimination and hostility.

This resource presents information about the Spanish influence in California before the Gold Rush.

Students examine the results of the Mexican War from both countries. They analyze the impact of a war for the losing side. They also compare the politics of the time of the Mexican war with those of today.

This resource presents information about the culturally diverse mining towns in California during the time of the gold rush and the treatment of minorities.

An interesting video uses photos and interviews to explain how American settlers coming to Californiafor the gold rush treated Californios and Mexicans. The resources focuses on one Californio, Mariano Vallejo, and his struggle to...