Bell Work  What promises did James K. Polk make to win his election of 1844? This Day in History: February 25, Hiram Rhoades Revels becomes the first African American congressman when he is sworn in as a senator. February 25, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) knocks out Sonny Liston to become the World Heavyweight Champion.

The Mexican-American War and Gold Rush

California  California controlled by Mexico before Mexican-American War.  Population was mostly Mexicans and Native Americans.  Mexican officials gave Swiss immigrant John Sutter permission to found a colony there in –Became a popular rest stop for immigrants.

California Gold Rush  Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in January  About 80,000 gold-seekers came to California in 1849; they were called forty- niners.  They would prospect, or search for gold, along banks of streams or in surface mines.  California produced $60 million in gold in 1853.

Miners  Mining camps sprang up wherever enough people gathered to look for gold.  Miners came from many cultures and backgrounds. –Most were young, unmarried men in search of adventure. –80% were Americans; the rest came from around the world. –Only 5 percent of gold-rush immigrants were women or children. –Women generally made good money by cooking meals, washing clothes, and operating boardinghouses.  Miners paid high prices for basic necessities because the huge amount of gold in circulation caused severe inflation in California.

Westward Migration Causes   Americans believe in idea of manifest destiny   United States acquires vast new lands in West   Pathfinders open trials to new territories   Gold is discovered in California Effects   Native Americans are forced off lands   Americans travel west to settle new areas   United States stretches to Pacific   California experiences population boom

California   Population explosion quickly made California eligible for statehood.   Became 31st state in   Many immigrants from around the world came to California; from , 24,000 Chinese men came to the U.S.

Reading Assignment  Chapter 11.3  Pages

Bell Work  What were the three main engagements of the Texas Revolution? This Day in History: February 24, William Travis calls on Texas troops to come help the defenders of the Alamo. February 24, Marbury v. Madison establishes judicial review. February 24, As a member of the House of Representatives, John Quincy Adams begins to argue for the slaves’ freedom in the Amistad case. February 24, President Andrew Johnson is impeached. February 24, The Zimmerman Telegram is given to the United States.

Assignment  Read and Outline Chapter 11.3, pages  Outline as thoroughly as possible.  Be prepared to answer questions about the section towards the end of class.