How were the paths to statehood for Texas and California similar

Texas and California followed different paths in order to become states. However, these distinct processes shared some similarities.

Both territories were originally part of the Spanish holdings in the New World, and they both became Mexican territory when Mexico achieved its independence in 1821.

Texas, however, was settled by Americans when it was still Mexican territory. The Mexican government offered land grants to American settlers. The population increased and eventually a revolution followed, which led to the independence of Texas. Texas did not become a state until 1845.

On the other hand, California was transferred to the United States after the Mexican-American War, through the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. It became a state after its population exploded due to the Gold Rush of the 1850s.