He was a commodore in the United States Navy who, in 1846, claimed California for the United States.
Yes. Because the Spanish colonies had once claimed California as it's territory the areas was apart of Mexico in 1821 but had won it's independence in 1848.
Source: The Spanish Empire then claimed it as part of Alta California in their New Spain colony.
Out of the options listed the best suited one would be A. even though he never thought they ended. <span />