5 W’s of the Bear Revolt

Who was involved?

The main people involved were American settlers in California called the “Osos” (“bears”), Mexican leaders in California, and members of the United States military. Important people included John C. Frémont, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, José Castro, Pío Pico, and William B. Ide.

What happened?

A group of American settlers rebelled against Mexican rule in California. They captured the town of Sonoma, arrested General Vallejo, and raised a homemade flag with a bear and the words “California Republic.” The revolt became known as the Bear Flag Revolt. Soon after, the United States military officially took control of California during the war with Mexico.

When did it happen?

The Bear Flag Revolt began in June of 1846. Important events happened between June and July of that year.

Where did it happen?

The revolt took place in Alta California, which was part of Mexico at the time. Most of the action happened in and around the town of Sonoma in Northern California. Other nearby places included Monterey, San Rafael, Santa Clara, and Sutter’s Fort.

Why did it happen?

The revolt happened because many American settlers wanted California to become part of the United States instead of Mexico. Tensions were already growing between the U.S. and Mexico over land and power. The settlers feared they might be forced to leave California, and they believed the United States would soon take control anyway. The revolt was also connected to the beginning of the Mexican-American War.

The bear on California’s state flag is there to remember the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. During the revolt, the American settlers in Sonoma created a homemade flag with a bear and the words “California Republic.” The bear became a symbol of strength, independence, and California’s early history.

Even though the “California Republic” only lasted a few weeks before California became part of the United States, the image of the bear remained important to Californians. When California later became a state, the bear was kept on the official state flag to honor that moment in history.

Today’s California flag is often called the “Bear Flag” because of this event.