Manifest Destiny, Colonial Empires, and War -- How California Became a United States Territory

, in full U. S. Dragoon uniform, tells the fascinating story of the U. S. War with Mexico, as it played out in California. The concept of "Manifest Destiny" was driving the U.S. ever westward in the 1840s, while Mexico, independent from Spain for only a few decades, was struggling to hold its vast northern territories. 

One of those territories, California, was blocking U.S. expansion to the Pacific. From the Bear Flag Republic in 1846 to Mexico’s surrender in 1848, the skirmishes and battles between American sailors, soldiers, trappers, adventurers, and settlers against Mexican soldiers in California would end with a treaty that left California and much of the American southwest in American rather than Mexican control.

Ernie Manzo is a living historian and reenactor who has given more than 40 history presentations to schools, history organizations, and others.

Nonmembers are welcome to this FREE Speaker Series event at the , 300 Estudillo Avenue, San Leandro.  For more information, call 510-910-3215, email sanleandrohistory@gmail.com, or visit www.sanleandrohistory.org.