Jean Pfaelzer

Jean Pfaelzer, Professor Emerita, reveals California's hidden slavery history spanning 250 years, highlighting Spanish atrocities in missions, indigenous resistance, Russian exploitation, and impacts of the Gold Rush on enslaved populations. The discussion uncovers narratives challenging the perception of California as a 'free' state, emphasizing the need to acknowledge its overlooked history of slavery.

Jean Pfaelzer, author of California: A Slave State, discusses the hidden history of slavery in California, including Native Americans forced into indentured labor and Chinese girls trafficked into caged brothels. The podcast explores the violent nature of slavery, the legal aspects, resistance, and personal stories. It sheds light on the presence of plantation slaves, caged brothels, and the movement for reparations.