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California Statehood 1850 — Reading Comprehension

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HSS 4.3.5
RH.6-8.4

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This engaging U.S. history passage explores the rapid path to statehood for California in 1850. Students will learn how the Gold Rush brought thousands of people west, leading to a sudden population boom that made California different from other regions. The reading explains the Compromise of 1850, the national debate over slavery, and why California entered the Union as a free state without first being a territory. Key historical terms such as 'free state,' 'Union,' and 'Compromise of 1850' are explained in context. This passage supports standards HSS 4.3.5 and RH.6-8.4, making it ideal for history lessons. Activities include a glossary, quiz, writing prompts, timeline, and two graphic organizers. The passage is available with read-aloud audio and a Spanish translation, ensuring accessibility for all learners. Students will build foundational literacy skills while understanding the importance of California’s statehood in American history.

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"Admission Day Celebration, Historic View, 1850, Montgomery & California Streets, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA" by Historic American Buildings Survey / Library of Congress.

In 1850, California became the 31st state in the United States. California joined the Union quickly and did not become a territory first. Many important events led to this fast change.

In 1848, gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California. News of gold spread quickly across the country. Soon, thousands of people traveled west. This was called the California Gold Rush. People came from all over the United States and even other countries. They wanted to find gold and become rich. Towns grew quickly. The population of California grew from about 15,000 to over 100,000 in just a few years.

With so many people moving in, California needed laws and a government. The people held a meeting called a convention. They decided to write a constitution. They also voted that California should not allow slavery. Many people in the United States were arguing about slavery at this time.

The government in Washington, D.C. was having a hard time. Some states in the South wanted slavery to be allowed everywhere. States in the North did not want slavery to spread. This argument was called the slavery debate. California’s choice to be a free state caused more debate.

In 1850, Congress passed a set of laws called the Compromise of 1850. This compromise made it possible for California to become a state. The compromise let California join as a free state. At the same time, the government created new rules to keep peace between the North and South.

California skipped being a territory because it had so many people and needed a government fast. Most other states became territories first, then waited to become states. But California’s population and gold made it urgent to join the Union quickly.

California’s statehood was important to the United States. It showed how fast the country was growing. It also showed how people could solve big problems by working together.

Interesting Fact: California’s first constitution was written in both English and Spanish, because so many people spoke Spanish at that time.

When did California become a state?

1850184818611830

What was found at Sutter’s Mill?

GoldSilverOilCoal

How did California's population change?

Grew very quicklyStayed smallDecreasedDid not change

Why did California skip being a territory?

Had many peopleWanted goldWas forcedHad a big army

What is a free state?

No slavery allowedSlavery allowedNo taxesMany gold mines

What was the Compromise of 1850?