American History Hit The Origins of California
Sep 15, 2025
Michael Hiltzik, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Golden State: The Making of California', joins the discussion on California’s fascinating evolution. From its indigenous roots and the influence of Spanish and Mexican governance to the impact of the Gold Rush, Hiltzik uncovers the layers of cultural and political change. He highlights California’s transformation into a tourism hotspot driven by innovation and transportation advancements. Dive into the complexities of water politics, governance, and the Golden State's unique identity!
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California As A Mirror Of America
- California combines immense natural diversity with outsized economic power, shaping national trends.
- Michael Hiltzik argues understanding California helps explain modern America’s political and economic directions.
A Dense Indigenous Civilization
- Indigenous California supported hundreds of thousands and many distinct societies before European contact.
- Michael Hiltzik highlights long-standing trade and relative peace among tribes before Spanish arrival.
Myth Shaped Early Maps
- Early Spanish maps and myths shaped explorers' view of California for decades.
- Hiltzik links the name 'California' to mythic literature and persistent cartographic errors.
