California, the Western Millionaire

“The Union is an exclusive body but when a millionaire knocks on the door, you don’t keep him waiting for too long; you let him in.” -Carey McWilliams (48)

California’s growth in the past century has had an immense impact not only in the state, but also to other states within the Nation. Carey McWilliams compares the state of California to a wealthy millionaire, from an early stage of California’s growth; the discovery of gold became such great advantage against other Western states (48). The eastern states that were part of the Union immediately incorporated California as their new member. This event was very exceptional since the California was the first Western state declared as part of the Union.  In the painting, California’s landscapes are represented by ocean, mountains, forest, snow, and desert, which show the geographic diversity found in this beautiful state. This complex combination of different climates is, in a way, is what makes the Golden State a “millionaire”. The Pacific Ocean slightly reflects the shining rays of sun; the sky’s warm golden color symbolizes the gold found in this beautiful state. A variety of flora and fauna can be found in extended forests in Northern California; meanwhile, as the sun vanishes through the deserted mountains, a new day and new opportunities start. At the time, California, as a state, had such great potential to give to the Union, wealth in the form of gold found in Northern California. Incorporating California to the Union was one event the state faced thanks to its natural resources.

Works Cited:

• McWilliams, Carey. California: The Great Exception. New York: Greenwood Press, 1949.
• California-Redwood <http://www.4windsartist.com/images/California-Redwood%202.jpg>

Comments

[Ruben Iniguez]

I really liked your idea of California as a "millionaire". Your interpretations as to why you believe the state was rich were very convincing and factual. Aside from the different geographical features and climate varieties adding to California's richness, I believe that the diverse amount of people that made their way into California also adds to its wealth.Other than that, I believe that you were able to efficiently use all the elements in the artwork to connect it to California's wealth.

[sean dembrosky]

i really the picutre you used here and many of the ways you connected the two is very intresting. however it seems the tansitions are a bit chopy. could you also elaborate on how the gold found in california instigated such a quick responce from the eastern states to be assimilated into the union?

[Kelly Thorsch]

I enjoyed reading the connections you made with California. First talking about how CA is a "millionaire", and then second explaining what about CA makes it more worthy than other Western states. The fact that you were able to clearly display your thoughts and ideas in such a short context is impressive. Your ideas seem fluid and easy to follow. If I didn't understand something initially you explained it later on which is great.