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So I had this idea that WI gold was discovered earlier in California 1800s.

First off, would the gold help ease the declining Spanish Empire?

Second, with Spain strengthening its position in California could we perhaps see try to press an earlier Ukase of 1821 and colonizing the Northwest pacific? How woudl the Brits react and wouldn't they do the same thing by pressing its claim upon the Northwest Pacific?

Third, since California has a Mediterranean style climate could we see the Portuguese, Italians, and Greeks migrating to California and establishing a large population along with the Spanish (including the Latin Americans, and the Filipinos)?

Four, could the Spanish attract Catholics such as the French and Irish to migrate to California.

Five, When the Latin American Revolutions occur, could the Spanish retain California (with Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, as a royalist bastion in North America, similar to British Canada.

Six, what could be the projected population of California by 1860?
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