California (Rise of Roses)

California (officially the California Republic) is a nation in western North America. Part of the former Spanish colony of Mexico, Californian settlers (many of them from the United States of America) rebelled twice. First, albeit unsuccessfully, in 1846, and again in 1852. The latter was the Californian War of Independence, which won the nation its freedom. California expanded quickly as a result of an enlarged population and the California Gold Rush of 1859. While nearby Texas also had access to the large unconquered territory in the west, California did was not pressured by attempted influence from Louisiana or the U.S.A. This expansion resulted in the Californian Indian Wars. California also later bought land from Mexico via the McDougall Purchase. The republic was also crucial in the Mormon War. Because of its many natural resources and access to the Pacific Ocean, California has become one of the most prosperous nations in North America.