California Declares Independence; New Series Begins

At the beginning of 1846 the population of California included, with about 200,000 Indians, 6,000 Mexicans and perhaps 200 USA nationals. The United Stated had declared war against Mexico in May, 1845 and already General Taylor had won the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, and had compelled the surrender of Monterey. Meanwhile back in California . . .

Read more at our main history blog. 

and

Don't forget The Basic History Library (free).