LAND OF ABUNDANCE: A HISTORY OF SETTLER COLONIALISM IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The historical narrative produced by settler colonialism has significantly impacted relationships among individuals, groups, and institutions. This thesis focuses on the enduring narrative of settler colonialism and its connection to American Civilization. It is this process and system of American Civilization (established and reified through institutions and cultural norms) that perpetuates the oppressive impact of settler colonialism on various groups who have resided in Southern California for generations before the settlers arrived. This thesis will also demonstrate that the results of settler colonialism at the turn of the 20th century in Southern California had massive socioeconomic consequences in the region. This thesis analyzes the relationships among Native Americans, Mexicans, and poor European American settlers that were all affected by the processes of American Civilization established and reified through settler colonialism. Yet this thesis also addresses how the nature of American Civilization and the intersection between the roles of oppressed and oppressor adjusted and changed depending on the circumstances. Thus, this thesis will argue that settler colonialism under the guise of American Civilization perpetuated historical narratives that controlled and manipulated various groups throughout Southern California