<P> In June 1846 , thirty - three American immigrants in Alta California rebelled against the Mexican department 's government . The immigrants had not been allowed to buy or rent land and had been threatened with expulsion from California because they had entered illegally without official permission . Mexican officials were concerned about a coming war with the United States coupled with the growing influx of Americans into California . The rebellion was soon overtaken by the beginning of the Mexican -- American War . </P>
<P> In June 1846 , thirty - three American immigrants in Alta California rebelled against the Mexican department 's government . The immigrants had not been allowed to buy or rent land and had been threatened with expulsion from California because they had entered illegally without official permission . Mexican officials were concerned about a coming war with the United States coupled with the growing influx of Americans into California . The rebellion was soon overtaken by the beginning of the Mexican -- American War . </P>
who led a small force to overthrow mexican rule in northern california
who led a small force to overthrow mexican rule in northern california
thirty - three American immigrants
thirty - three American immigrants