Taming the elephant : politics, government, and law in pioneer California / John F. Burns and Richard J. Orsi, editors ; illustrations editors Joshua Paddison and Teena Stern ; associate editor Marlene Smith-Baranzini.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Burns, John F.

Orsi, Richard J.

Series:

California history sesquicentennial series ; 4.

California history sesquicentennial series ; 4

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Frontier and pioneer life--California.

Frontier and pioneer life.

Law--California--History--19th century.

Law.

Legislation--California--History--19th century.

Legislation.

California--Politics and government--1846-1850.

California.

California--Politics and government--1850-1950.

California--Social conditions--19th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (302 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, c2003.

Language Note:

English

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Summary:

Taming the Elephant is the last of four volumes in the distinguished California History Sesquicentennial Series, an outstanding compilation of original essays by leading historians and writers. These topical, interrelated volumes reexamine the meaning of the founding of modern California during the state's pioneer period. General themes run through all four volumes: the interplay of traditional cultures and frontier innovation in the creation of a distinctive California society; the dynamic interaction of people and nature and the beginnings of massive environmental change; the impact of the California experience on the nation and the world; the influence of pioneer patterns on modern California; and the legacy of ethnic and cultural diversity as a major influence on the state's history. This fourth volume treats the role of post-Gold Rush California government, politics, and law in the building of a dynamic state, with influences that persist today. Provocative essays investigate the creation of constitutional foundations, law and jurisprudence, the formation of government agencies, and the development of public policy. Authors chart the roles played by diverse groups-criminals and peace officers, entrepreneurs and miners, farmers and public officials, defenders of discrimination and female and African American activists. The essays also explore subjects largely overlooked in the past, such as the significance of local and federal government in pioneer California and early struggles to secure civil rights for women and racial minorities.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Preface

1. Taming the Elephant: An Introduction to California's Statehood and Constitutional Era

2. A Violent Birth Disorder, Crime, and Law Enforcement, 1849-1890

3. The Courts, the Legal Profession, and the Development of Law in Early California

4. "We Feel the Want of Protection": The Politics of Law and Race in California, 1848-1878

5. Capturing California

6. "Officialdom": California State Government, 1849-1879

7. "None Could Deny the Eloquence of This Lady": Women, Law, and Government in California, 1850-1890

8. The Beginnings of Anglo-American Local Government in California

9. An Uncertain Influence: The Role of the Federal Government in California, 1846-1880

List of Contributors

Index

Notes:

"Published in association with the California Historical Society."

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN:

9786612762703

9780520936485

0520936485

9781282762701

1282762702

9781597349314

1597349313

OCLC:

475928620