California genocide

Quick Facts: Who was California genocide?

Subject:

California genocide

Known for:

Systematic genocidal massacres of California's Indigenous peoples by US forces and settlers.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The California genocide was a series of genocidal massacres of the Indigenous peoples of California by United States governments, soldiers and settlers during the 19th century. It began following the American conquest of California in the Mexican–American War and the subsequent influx of American settlers to the region as a result of the California gold rush. Between 1846 and 1873, it is estimated that settlers killed between 9,492 and 16,094 Californian Natives; up to several thousand were also starved to death or worked to death. Forced labor, kidnapping, rape, child separation, and forced displacement were widespread during the genocide, and were encouraged, tolerated, and even carried out by California government officials, American government officials, and military commanders. Prior to the Spanish arrival, California's Indigenous population was estimated as high as 300,000.

Career & Major Achievements

It decreased further from roughly 150,000 in 1848 to 30,000 in 1870 and 16,000 by 1900 as a result of disease, low birth rates, starvation, and genocide. Between 10,000 and 27,000 were also subject to forced labor by U.S. settlers, with California officials repeatedly passing legislation which disenfranchised Californian Indians. Since the 2000s, historians have characterized the period immediately following the conquest of California as one in which U.S. miners, farmers, and ranchers on the American frontier engaged in the systematic genocide of Californian Indians. In 2019, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, described the events as "genocide", adding, "...that's the way it needs to be described in the history books." He also apologized for the "violence, discrimination and exploitation sanctioned by state government throughout its history". In a 2019 executive order, Newsom announced the formation of a "Truth and Healing Council" to better understand the genocide and inform future generations of what occurred.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Prior to Spanish arrival, California was home to an American Indian population thought to have been as high as 300,000. The largest group were the Chumash people, with a population around 10,000. The region was highly diverse, with numerous distinct languages spoken. While there was great diversity in the area, archeological findings show little evidence of intertribal conflicts. The various tribal groups appear to have adapted to particular areas and territories.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1846: 1846 Milestone — Between 1846 and 1873, it is estimated that settlers killed between 9,492 and 16,094 Californian Natives; up to several thousand were also starved to death or worked to death.
2. 1848: 1848 Milestone — It decreased further from roughly 150,000 in 1848 to 30,000 in 1870 and 16,000 by 1900 as a result of disease, low birth rates, starvation, and genocide.
3. 2019: 2019 Milestone — In 2019, the governor of California, Gavin Newsom, described the events as "genocide", adding, "...

Notable Quotes by California genocide

“that's the way it needs to be described in the history books.” (2019)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: California genocide

True or False: “The decline of California's Indigenous population was solely due to European diseases and low birth rates.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While disease was a factor, the genocide also involved systematic massacres, forced labor, and violence perpetrated by settlers and government officials.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• A. K. Fazlul Huq — Historical peer (Born in 1873) (1873): Pakistani statesman and jurist, known as Sher-e-Bangla, a founding father of Pakistan.
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• Albert I of Monaco — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Prince of Monaco, devoted to science, exploration, and modernizing the state.
• Augustus Saint-Gaudens — Historical peer (Born in 1848) (1848): Pioneering American sculptor embodying the ideals of the American Renaissance.
• Adam Lindsay Gordon — Historical peer (Died in 1870) (1870): Pioneering British-Australian poet, horseman, and politician of the Victorian era.
• Adolf Loos — Historical peer (Born in 1870) (1870): Pioneering architect and theorist of modernism, known for his critique of ornamentation.
• Aaron Copland — Historical peer (Born in 1900) (1900): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Adolf Dassler — Historical peer (Born in 1900) (1900): Pioneering German cobbler and inventor who founded the sportswear giant Adidas.

Frequently Asked Questions about California genocide