The area became<span> a </span>part of Mexico<span> in 1821 following its successful war for independence, but was ceded to the </span>United States<span> in 1848 after the </span>Mexican–American<span> War. The western </span>portion<span> of Alta </span>California<span> then was organized and admitted as the 31st </span>state<span> on September 9, 1850.</span>
Many items were purchased. I think
It was in "a. his inauguration speech" that <span>President Kennedy said "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country", since he wanted to shift the focus to domestic service. </span>
