The University of California's founding stemmed from a need for higher education in the rapidly growing state. During the mid-19th century, California was experiencing significant population growth due to the Gold Rush and the influx of individuals seeking new opportunities. As the state developed, the demand for educated citizens increased, prompting state leaders to consider the establishment of a public university. The Organic Act was introduced to the California legislature, and its passage marked a pivotal moment in the state's educational landscape.

Signed into law in Oakland, the Organic Act not only created the University of California but also laid down its mission to serve the people of California through a broad range of academic offerings. The act established governance structures and specified the cultivation of both liberal arts and scientific studies. Initially, the university was intended to operate in a single location, with the first campus ultimately established in Berkeley.

The founding of the University of California set a precedent for future public higher education institutions in the United States, emphasizing the importance of accessible education. The university's mission and goals reflected contemporary ideals of democracy, inclusion, and social mobility. Over the years, UC Berkeley and its affiliated campuses became recognized for their academic rigor and contributions to research, influencing countless fields and shaping the intellectual landscape of not only California but the nation.