California Frontier
Prof. Damian Bacich shares the history you didn't learn in school. Each episode is a deep dive into the fascinating early history of California and the West. Listen to stories and interviews with scholars, experts, and people who are passionate about a time when California was the frontier of empire and imagination.
California Frontier
068: How the Civil War Transformed California | Author James Tejani
In Part 2 of my conversation with author James Tejani, we delve into the Civil War's role in shaping California's economic and political landscape. The discussion highlights the transformation of California from the Gold Rush period to an industrial powerhouse in the late 19th century, emphasizing the importance of the transcontinental railroad. James explores the divisive debates in Congress about where the railroad would be placed, spotlighting California's critical position. We also cover California's strategic importance during the Civil War, the role of the LDS Church, Native American interactions, and the parallel between U.S. imperial ambitions and the earlier Spanish Empire's transpacific project.
00:00 Introduction: The Civil War's Impact on California
00:38 Railroads and the Civil War
01:26 California's Role in the Civil War
02:14 The Pacific Railroad Controversy
05:40 San Pedro Bay and the Civil War
06:50 The Civil War's Broader Implications
15:15 Native Americans, Mormons, and the Civil War
22:16 California's Transformation Post-Civil War
31:26 Reflections on California's History
34:35 Conclusion and Future Projects
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damian@californiafrontier.net
