What was the Bear Flag Republic?

The Bear Flag Republic refers specifically to a declaration of independence made by American settlers in California in 1846. This movement was initiated by settlers who were dissatisfied with Mexican rule and sought to establish their own governance. The rebellion was characterized by the raising of a flag featuring a grizzly bear and a single star, symbolizing their desire for independence and a new republic. Although the rebellion was short-lived, as California soon came under U.S. control during the Mexican-American War, the Bear Flag Republic is a significant event in the history of California and represents early American expansionism on the West Coast, as well as the complex dynamics of American and Mexican interactions during this period.