California is a place of beauty, diversity, and dreams. But its history is full of changes, conflicts, and big questions about its future. Only 175 years ago, California wasn’t part of the United States. It belonged to Mexico. Today, riots and debates about immigration are making some people wonder if California could break away from the U.S. This article tells the simple story of how California became part of the U.S., what’s happening with riots and immigration today, and whether this could lead to a split in the country.
How California Became Part of the United States
Early Days: Spanish and Mexican Rule
- Long ago, California was home to Native American tribes.
- In the 1700s, Spain took control and built missions to spread Christianity and govern the land.
- In 1821, Mexico won independence from Spain, and California became part of Mexico. It was called Alta California, meaning “Upper California.”
- Mexico had a hard time managing this faraway land. Few Mexican settlers lived there, and trade with foreigners, like Americans, grew.
The Mexican-American War (1846–1848)
- By the 1840s, many Americans were moving to California, dreaming of new opportunities.
- The U.S. wanted California and other Mexican lands. This idea was called “Manifest Destiny”—the belief that America should spread across the continent.
- In 1846, tensions led to the Mexican-American War. American settlers in California started the Bear Flag Revolt, declaring California independent from Mexico for a short time.
- U.S. forces, led by people like John C. Frémont, took control of cities like Monterey and San Francisco with little fighting.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- In 1848, the U.S. won the war, and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- Mexico gave up California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of other states—about half of its land—for $15 million.
- This deal, called the Mexican Cession, made California part of the U.S. in 1848, just 175 years ago.
- In 1850, California became the 31st U.S. state after a rush of settlers came for the Gold Rush.
California Today: Riots and Immigration Debates
Recent Riots in Los Angeles
- Fast forward to 2025, California is facing unrest, especially in Los Angeles.
- Protests against immigration raids by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have turned into riots.
- Many protesters, including some Mexican immigrants, are angry about deportations. Some have even waved Mexican flags, showing pride in their heritage.
- The U.S. government sent National Guard troops to calm things down, but this made tensions worse. California’s leaders and the federal government are clashing over who’s in charge.
The Immigration Debate: A Controversial Poll
- A recent poll on X asked a shocking question: Would people prefer “illegal Mexicans” or “legal Indians” in the U.S.?
- The poll showed many Americans chose “illegal Mexicans” over “legal Indians.” This stirred up a lot of anger online.
- Some say Mexicans are preferred because they often take low-paying jobs, like cleaning hotels or working on farms, and get paid in cash, and they don’t pay taxes.
- Legal Indian immigrants, many of whom are educated and work in high-paying jobs like tech or medicine, sometimes hire these workers for low wages and also pay taxes.
- This creates tension. Some Mexican workers feel exploited, while some Americans question why legal immigrants face more resentment than undocumented ones.
Why This Matters
- The poll and riots show deep divisions. People are frustrated about immigration, jobs, and fairness.
- These tensions make some Californians feel disconnected from the rest of the U.S. They see California as different—more diverse, with a huge economy that could stand alone.
Is This the Start of Balkanization in the U.S.?
What Is Balkanization?
- Balkanization means a country breaking into smaller pieces, like what happened to the Soviet Union in the 1990s.
- When the Soviet Union fell apart, richer republics like Estonia left first, leaving poorer areas behind.
- Some worry the U.S. could split the same way, with wealthy states like California wanting to go their own way.
Could California Leave the U.S.?
- California has a massive economy—bigger than many countries. It’s home to Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
- Some groups, like the California National Party, want California to become its own country. This idea is called “Calexit.”
- Polls show mixed feelings. In 2017, about 32% of Californians supported secession. In 2024, 29% said they’d back it.
- The recent riots have made “Calexit” a hot topic again. People are talking about it on X, saying California’s values don’t match the rest of the U.S.
Why It’s Not So Simple
- The U.S. Constitution doesn’t allow states to leave on their own. A Supreme Court case in 1869 (Texas v. White) said states can’t just walk away.
- Secession would need approval from Congress or a big revolution, which is unlikely.
- Even if California tried, it would face huge challenges, like building its own army, money system, and laws.
The Polling Process for Secession
How Secession Polls Work
- Groups like Yes California want to put secession on the ballot to see what voters think.
- To get on the ballot, they need thousands of signatures (like 585,407 for a 2019 attempt).
- If enough people sign, voters can say “yes” or “no” to studying secession. It’s not a vote to leave—it’s just to explore the idea.
- For example, a 2028 ballot measure wants to create a group to study if California could survive as a country.
The Legal Roadblocks
- Even if voters say “yes,” secession needs Congress to agree, which is very hard.
- The Constitution only talks about adding states, not letting them leave.
- Changing the Constitution requires two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of states to agree—almost impossible.
- Some say a state could leave with “consent of the states,” but no one knows exactly what that means.
What Polls Tell Us
- Polls show younger people and some Hispanic Californians are more open to secession.
- But most Americans, including many Californians, want to stay part of the U.S.
- The idea gets louder when people are upset, like after elections or during riots.
Looking Ahead: Can California Stay United with the U.S.?
California’s story is one of change—from Native lands to Spanish missions, Mexican rule to U.S. statehood. Only 175 years ago, it joined the U.S. through war and a treaty. Today, riots and immigration debates are making some question if California belongs in the U.S. The X poll about Mexicans and Indians shows how divided people feel. Talks of “Calexit” and Balkanization are growing, but leaving the U.S. is a long shot. Legal hurdles and the need for Congress to agree make it nearly impossible. Still, these tensions remind us that California’s future depends on finding ways to work together—across cultures, borders, and ideas.
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