Californios

So the Spaniards slash Mexicans, because a lot of them were Spaniards and then became Mexican in the sense of nationality.

Well, they considered, at least certainly in the northern part, they considered themselves Californios.

They were of Mexican descent, but they viewed themselves different culturally.

So they weren't strongly allied with Mexico, at least in the northern part.

In fact, they talked about maybe becoming independent.

Also, there was talk pre-Bear

Flag, the people here, the Californios, were like, you know what? Mexico City is pretty far.

I don't want them telling us to send taxes down there.

And while there are only five hundred to eight hundred Americans in the territory, there are between eight and twelve thousand Mexicans.

And to many of California's Hispanic population, known as Californios, the Americans are simply invaders, and they want them out.

With the departure of Commodore Stockton and the bulk of his men, the city's Californios sense a vulnerability.

In and around the city, they begin to rally together to fight against the new American rule.

Soon, an uprising begins, and within two weeks of Stockton's leaving, Los Angeles is in a state of siege.

The Californios surround the city and call for the Americans' surrender.

Cut off from water and supplies, the meager American forces have little choice.

Within a week of the siege, they surrender and leave the city behind.