Answer: The area became a part of Mexico in 1821 following its successful war for independence but was ceded to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican–American War. The western portion of Alta California was then organized and admitted as the 31st state on September 9, 1850.
They are financial aid and land grants from the government. Railroad executives made the argument that their companies should receive free public land on which to lay track because a rail network connecting East and West would bring important benefits to the entire nation.
