History of South America

How did the US gain California?

The United States gained California as a result of the Mexican-American War (1846–1848). Before the war, California was part of Mexico. The war began over disputes about the border between the United States and Mexico. The United States won the war, and as part of the peace treaty, Mexico ceded California to the United States.

Here is a more detailed timeline of the events that led to the United States gaining California:

* 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain. California becomes a Mexican territory.

* 1845: The United States annexes Texas, which Mexico still considers to be its territory. This leads to increased tensions between the United States and Mexico.

* 1846: The Mexican-American War begins.

* 1847: The United States military occupies California.

* 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War. Mexico cedes California to the United States.

California officially became a U.S. state in 1850.