California's Three Independence Days: A Tale of Complex Identity

California, known for its diverse culture and progressive outlook, has the unique distinction of celebrating not one, but three independence days. While most US citizens associate July 4th with the birth of their nation and September 16th as Mexico's Independence Day, California's historical journey reveals an intriguing narrative that contributes to its distinct cultural identity. The events surrounding June 14th, 1846, when California declared independence from México, shed light on a complex relationship that has shaped California's dynamic relationship with the United States.

California's three independence days symbolize its multifaceted identity. Its exclusion from the early formation of the United States and its struggle for independence from México have contributed to a cultural friction that continues to shape the state's relationship with the rest of the country. While eventually becoming part of the American Union, California has maintained a distinct perspective and progressive outlook, rooted in its unique historical background.

The Signing of the USA's Declaration of Independence

On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States was crafted with the input of the thirteen English-speaking colonies on the East Coast, overlooking the Spanish-speaking territory of California separated by the formidable Rocky Mountains. This exclusion created a significant rift within the United States, as California's unique circumstances and cultural heritage were not considered.

It is worth noting that California had its first independence day on September 16, 1810, when Mexico declared independence from Spain. At that time, California was part of the newly formed United States of México. While Mexico's constitution drew inspiration from the ideals of the North American Revolution, it also incorporated elements of the more socialist and revolutionary ideas espoused by Simón Bolívar.

Simón Bolívar, The George Washington of South America.

However, over time, both California and Texas found the Mexican Union insufficient to fulfill their aspirations for self-governance, leading to their own respective struggles for independence. This lack of inclusion further deepened the cultural divide between California and the rest of the country, setting the stage for a unique identity to emerge on the West Coast.

Long before the United States' military intervention in California, the region had its own aspirations for autonomy. Californians themselves initiated a struggle for independence from México, fueled by their yearning for self-governance. They embraced the idea of liberation and sought support from the United States, believing that it would help them achieve their goals of independence rather than integrating them into the American Union.

On June 14th, 1846, Californians raised their own flag in Sonoma, marking their second and own Day of Independence. This act represented the aspirations of Californians to establish their own independent state, separate from the influences of their neighbors. It was a statement that California's destiny would be determined by its own people, not by external forces.

General Frémont and the "Bear Flaggers" raising California's first flag in Sonoma.

Throughout June, the Bear Flaggers and Frémont's men engaged in skirmishes with Mexican forces, took strategic locations around what is now San Francisco, and rallied more white settlers to their cause. In July, Commodore John Sloat of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet arrived at Monterey Bay and captured Monterey on July 7th, declaring California as part of the United States.

Two days later, the Bear Flag Revolt officially ended as California was absorbed into the Union. Californians formally ceded Alta California in 1847 with the Treaty of Cahuenga, and California became the 31st state on September 9th, 1850. Giving California its third and final Day of Independence, that of July 4th, 1776.

California's struggle for independence from Mexico and its subsequent integration into the United States have shaped its relationship with Spanish and English. However, due to the predominant monolingual vision in the United States, the unique ideals and historical contributions of California have often been overshadowed or lost in translation.

The original Declaration of Independence of California was written in Spanish, a deliberate choice to ensure its understanding by the Mexican federal government and resonate with the large Spanish-speaking population throughout the continent of América.

This significant document, which embodies California's aspirations for self-governance, is currently displayed in the Capitol in Sacramento. However, the language barrier has contributed to the loss of some of the ideas and sentiments expressed in the original Spanish text, as they are often not fully captured in English translations.

Another testament to California's bilingual heritage is its constitution, the longest in the world. The California Constitution is officially written in both English and Spanish. While the English version is considered the official text and the Spanish version is an official translation, a closer examination of the original documents reveals that the constitution was originally drafted in Spanish. These historical documents, in both languages, are available for review at the California State Library in Sacramento.

In an attempt to suppress this bilingual history, Ronald Reagan, during his time as governor, declared English as the official language of California and mandated that all education in the state be conducted in English. This decision aimed to assimilate the diverse communities into a single cultural and linguistic framework, disregarding California's rich multilingual heritage.

In addition to linguistic differences, the United States' takeover of California led to the replacement of the complex hierarchies established by Mexico with a new hierarchy dominated by white US citizens. Californios, who considered themselves neither Spanish nor white, became second-class citizens in their own land, while the new government implicitly encouraged white citizens to marginalize and displace indigenous peoples.

Although Spaniards were not always benevolent towards Native Americans, there were cases of integration and attempts to incorporate them into colonial society. A notable example is the story of San Juan Diego, whose apparitions of the Virgin Mary led to the construction of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in México. This event marked a turning point in Spanish attitudes towards Native Americans, as they began to integrate them into colonial society.

Lobby of the Chumash Casino Resort near Santa Bárbara, California.

Although California's history with its indigenous peoples is not perfect, today, California has taken steps to address the historical injustices faced by Native Americans. The state has worked diligently with Native American communities to improve their living conditions.

California is home to more Native American-owned casinos and resorts than any other state, and these establishments have become integral parts of California's modern culture. They have provided economic opportunities and a source of pride for Native American communities, contributing to the overall well-being and development of Native American populations in California

. Additionally, in recent years, the state has taken measures to recognize and honor its linguistic diversity. The ban on exclusive English-language education, imposed during Reagan's tenure, has been lifted, leading to increased opportunities for Spanish-language education in the state.

Today, California offers the widest range of Spanish-language education options compared to any other state. Additionally, the state recognizes the importance of Spanish by allowing official state documents and procedures to be completed entirely in Spanish, acknowledging the needs and preferences of its significant Spanish-speaking population.

In conclusion, California's three days of independence reflect a complex history and a multifaceted cultural identity. The initial exclusion of California from the historical events of the United States and its subsequent struggle for independence from México have contributed to a tense yet dynamic relationship with the rest of the country. California's rich history and linguistic diversity are fundamental pillars of its identity, and it is important to recognize and appreciate all the facets that have contributed to shaping this unique state.

The raising of the Bear Flag embodied the aspirations of Californians to chart their own course and maintain their unique identity. California's complex identity stems from its historical background, where it was shaped by Spanish, Mexican, and yes even US influences but ultimately forged its own path.

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated in California and throughout the United States as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, but it is not a recognized holiday in the state and is generally seen as a foreign holiday for expatriates and cultural Mexicans. Additionally, California's own Independence Day, June 14th is completely ignored.

However, as Californians celebrate July 4th, September 16th and June 14th should also be celebrated and recognized as proper holidays to honor not only the broader historical contexts but also the unique struggles and triumphs that have shaped their state's identity. It is a reminder that California's relationship with the United States and Mexico is multifaceted, filled with complexities, and continues to evolve.

After all, who wouldn't want 2 extra days off work?