Rulers and Rebels
A People’s History of Early California, 1769–1901
by
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As this is written early in the 21st century, California is one of the most influential areas in the entire world. With nearly 40 million people and production levels that make it one of the ten largest units in the world economy, California is the most populous and economically, politically, socially and culturally the most powerful state in the United States, itself still the strongest nation on a shrinking globe. The nation’s future is often written in California, which is commonly on the cutting edge of environmental, economic, demographic, cultural and political change. As it has been for over 150 years, today’s California is also a place of hope and high expectations, the focus of both dreams and future national trends. Its own future is, like all places, linked to its past. So to understand California history, its dynamic evolution and sharp contradictions, is to understand not only the history of the most important state in the United States, but also much of the history and meaning of the United States of America. Key aspects of this history include hierarchical domination from the top of the society, creating powerlessness and alienation among those subject to their control, but also periodic disruption of their rule by the rebellion of the rank and file and their communities. By its very nature, such rebellion aims at participation, and empowerment, the self-actualization of rank and file people and their organizations.
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About the Book
The ruling class in early California tried to maintain power with an iron grip, but it faced plenty of rebellions from disenfranchised groups seeking some clout of their own. Take a trip back in time to the state’s earliest years and discover the untold history of the working poor, blacks, immigrants, Native Americans, and other groups who sought to assert their human rights. Their numerous organized and unorganized rebellions, demonstrations, and boycotts altered history and taught valuable lessons that continue to be significant today. Historian Laurence H. Shoup relies on primary documents and historical resources to prove human rights become real and alive when people engage in direct action. Examining the Gold Rush, the rise of industrial capitalism, the onset of the Civil War and other important events that led to conflict between different groups, Rulers and Rebels explores how the rebels of early California paved the way for democracy. Shoup continues a tradition of historical, nonfiction storytelling with a book that explores the different viewpoints and actions of California’s Rulers and Rebels.
About the Author
Laurence H. Shoup graduated from California State University and received a doctorate from Northwestern University. He has taught U.S. history at the university level and has written more than two hundred reports as a historical consultant on California history over the past thirty years. He has authored or co-authored three books, including Imperial Brain Trust: The Council on Foreign Relations and United States Foreign Policy.