1847 – The Treaty of Cahuenga ends fighting in California

Along with Texas, California was one of the major battlegrounds in the Mexican-American War of 1846 – 1848, and the surrender of hispanic forces in California was a turning point in the war. The American forces – better equipped and better motivated, drove the Mexicans slowly southward.

The war proper would come to an end in 1848, with Mexico’s cession of a large territory (comprising the modern US states of California, Nevada and Utah, as well as portions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming). The victory is widely regarded as one of the most significant acheivement of the Presidency of James Knox Polk (whose sole term was from 1845 to 1848).

Referenced in:
James K. Polk – They Might Be Giants