Vividly recreates the history of the Golden State since its earliest days. Topics include: Native American impact upon California, concentrating on Ishi and the role of the Franciscan order in undermining Native American civilization; the early days of American influences on the Gold Rush and how they have shaped the racial and social problems confronting nineteenth century Californians; problems from 1850 to 1900 like early difficulties with statehood, mining and land differences, the rise of the railroad and other big businesses; hostility toward the Chinese; the rising conservatism and Red Scare mentality of the 1930s and 40s; African American, Mexican American, and Filipino contribution; the pressures of immigration, a vacillating economy, and the changing patterns of California settlement.