Rulers and Rebels: A People’s History of Early California, 1769–1901

The ruling class in early California tried to maintain power with an iron grip, but it faced plenty of rebellions from disenfranchised groups seeking some clout of their own. Take a trip back in time to the state's earliest years and discover the untold history of the working poor, blacks, immigrants, Native Americans, and other groups who sought to assert their human rights. Their numerous organized and unorganized rebellions, demonstrations, and boycotts altered history and taught valuable lessons that continue to be significant today. Historian Laurence H. Shoup relies on primary documents and historical resources to prove human rights become real and alive when people engage in direct action. Examining the Gold Rush, the rise of industrial capitalism, the onset of the Civil War and other important events that led to conflict between different groups, Rulers and Rebels explores how the rebels of early California paved the way for democracy. Shoup continues a tradition of historical, nonfiction storytelling with a book that explores the different viewpoints and actions of California's Rulers and Rebels.