The 31st State: California Joins the Union — Reading Comprehension

In 1850, California became the 31st state of the United States. This event was an important part of Westward Expansion. It changed the country in big ways. Many people wanted to move west to find new land and opportunity.

Before it was a state, California was part of Mexico. In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. The United States and Mexico fought over land in the west. The war ended in 1848 with a treaty called the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty gave California and other lands to the United States. One person who helped bring peace was General Stephen Kearny. He said, "Let us have peace and friendship between our countries."

Just as the war ended, gold was discovered in California. The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 started the Gold Rush. People from all over the country, and even from other countries, rushed to California to look for gold. These people were called "Forty-Niners" because many arrived in 1849. Towns grew fast. San Francisco became a busy city almost overnight.

California's population grew quickly. Soon, people living there wanted to become a state. They wrote a constitution in 1849. They asked Congress to let California join the Union. There was a problem. Some states allowed slavery, and others did not. People argued in Congress about whether California should be a free or slave state. After much debate, the Compromise of 1850 was made. This law let California join as a free state, meaning slavery was not allowed.

On September 9, 1850, California became a state. The people cheered. The United States now stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The Gold Rush and statehood brought many changes. New towns, roads, and businesses were built. People from many different backgrounds came together to build California’s future.

Interesting Fact: California’s state motto is "Eureka," which means "I have found it!" This word comes from the Gold Rush when people shouted it after finding gold.

When did California become a state?

What started in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill?

Who helped bring peace after the war?

Why did people rush to California?

What was debated in Congress?

What did the Compromise of 1850 do?

California is the 31st state. True or false?

What does 'opportunity' mean in the passage?