California is the most populous U.S. state with over 39 million residents. State borders Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and shares border with Baja California. Covers 163,696 square miles and is third-largest U.S. state
Family descended from Dutch farmer Jan Aertszoon in 1650. Cornelius Vanderbilt built shipping and railroad empire in 19th century. Cornelius became richest American until death in 1877
Founded in 1718 by French colonists as La Nouvelle-Orléans. Became territorial capital of French Louisiana before US acquisition in 1803. Known as "Crescent City" due to Mississippi River course. Hosted largest slave rebellion in US history in 1811
Puritans were English Protestants seeking to reform Church of England. They rejected Catholic practices and maintained Church of England's incomplete reform. Puritans adopted covenant theology and believed in double predestination. Conversion process involved preparatory phase, humiliation, justification, and sanctification
First American novel "The Power of Sympathy" published by Isaiah Thomas. Georgetown, first US Catholic college, founded on January 23. First US Congress began regular sessions on April 4. John Adams became first US Vice President on April 21
Self-made man rises from humble beginnings through hard work and personal responsibility. Concept gained prominence during post-Civil War Industrial Revolution. Frederick Douglass saw self-made men as symbol of manhood