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Some crazy ventures by the man known as General Walker (aka William Walker) led to the creation of short lived state in Mexico called the Republic of Sonora and/or the Republic of Lower California. I realize it's unlikely, but what if he perhaps was able to hold onto and form a lasting state out of the region. Perhaps the news of his initial success convinced settlers to travel to the region in larger numbers. Would his actions set up a policy of attempted grabs. A 19th century 'scramble for Latin America' by individuals?