The Bear Flag Revolt marked a significant moment in the struggle for control over California during a tumultuous period of U.S.-Mexico relations. It began when a group of Anglo-American settlers in Sonoma, dissatisfied with the Mexican government's rule, decided to take action. On June 14, a small band of settlers led by figures like William Ide and Ezekiel Merritt captured the Mexican garrison, raising the 'Bear Flag' as a symbol of their newfound independence. This act was part of a broader context of American expansionism and desire for land, fueled by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which held that the United States was destined to expand across the continent.

The revolt was not simply a Chicago-style uprising; it reflected deeper tensions between Anglo settlers and the increasing Mexican governance over California. The settlers accused the Mexican authorities of neglect and failure to provide security against Native American attacks. This discontent was exacerbated by the influx of American settlers in the region, many of whom were already longing for more autonomy from Mexican control. The Bear Flag Revolt led to the establishment of the California Republic, albeit a short-lived entity, which lasted only about 25 days until U.S. military forces arrived and took control under the larger backdrop of the Mexican-American War.

The short-lived California Republic, with its bear flag symbolizing strength and autonomy, eventually came to represent an essential ideological shift in California's history. It showcased the spirit of resistance among settlers and set the stage for California's eventual admission into the United States. Although the rebellion was not officially sanctioned by the U.S. government, it reflected the growing sentiment of many white settlers who viewed California as a vital extension of American territory. The overlap of military, economic, and social tensions would continue to influence California's trajectory long after the revolt concluded.