In 1850, in exchange for allowing the potential of slavery in New Mexico and Utah, California was admitted to the Union as its 31st state. A free state. The land of beaches, beautiful scenery, bridges and Hollywood. But even to today, Dr. Pfaelzer argues California has not been fully free. While we may not imagine plantation slavery there the way we do in US southern states, Dr. Pfaelzer says there were still Black Americans forced to work in bondage. Slaves of other races and nationalities have also existed there. The indigenous, the Inuit, the Chinese, and even people from India. And indeed, she says, there are still people in California being trafficked to live as slaves. She explains how California's geography, weather and politics foster the conditions for human bondage. Dr. Pfaelzer argues there is a lesson in this book for everyone who wants America to become truly free.
Information on Dr. Pfaelzer's book can be found at: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300211641/california-a-slave-state/
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