Conquest of California

In this episode, we examine the Conquest of California, the 1846–1847 military campaign during the Mexican-American War that transferred control of California from Mexico to the United States. Beginning with the Bear Flag Revolt and followed by naval and ground operations led by figures like John C. Frémont and Robert F. Stockton, the conflict saw swift American gains in the north and harder fighting in the south, including the Siege of Los Angeles and the Battle of San Pasqual. We also explore how the Treaty of Cahuenga helped end the fighting in California before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo formalized the transfer, and how this conquest opened the door to statehood, westward migration, and devastating consequences for Indigenous communities.