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The Opium War
The Opium War was a drug war between China and Great Britain. Britain had begun exporting opium, an addictive substance to China, affecting the wellbeing of their people and economy. (Thecollector.com)
Allende writes “At the end of almost four years of struggle, China had to accept a humiliating defeat and pay the equivalent of twenty-one million dollars to their British…” (201). This quote shows the state of Tao Chien’s country as he grew up, and where he came from before moving to California. -
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Daughter of Fortune Timeline
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The Chilean Oligarchy
Over the span of 1830 to 1861 the Chilean government was trying to please those who were rich but ignoring the majority of those who were poor. Some decided to make an independent group to rebel against the government. (Britannica.com)
“He considered himself an enemy of the useless and decedent oligarchy, and the of the government because it did not represent…”(137). Allende exemplifies the strong mindedness of many people like Andieta who disagreed with lack of care for the less fortunate. -
European Migration
Migration to the U.S. in 1845 happened because of famine in Ireland, and Germans fleeing a revolution. The unfortunate state of Europe combined with prospects of colonization pushed thousands to immigrate (Encyclopedia.com) “The government is trying to improve the race by importing European immigrants. Did you know Mr. Todd, that in the south they are giving away land to colonists”(23). This quote demonstrates the massive population influx that contributed to the popularity of the gold rush. -
California Gold Rush
When gold was found in an area known as New Helvetia it was the beginning of a historical event know as the California Gold Rush. This event had a positive impact on San Francisco because it helped grow the population. (SanFrancisco.net)
“Gold fever left no one unaffected: smiths carpenters, teachers,… preachers, bakers, revolutionaries, and harmless madmen…” (270). As our characters move to California, Allende gives backstory as to why the Joaquin Andieta and thousands other did so too. -
Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo
The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed February 2, 1848. This event helped bring an end to the Mexican-American War, which ended with the United States gaining half of Mexicos territory including California. (Archives.gov)
Allende writes “The yellow pellet that unleashed the madness was found nine days after the war between Mexico and the United States had ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.”(145) This quote gives history behind where our characters move to. -
California Becomes a State
The State of California was admitted as the thirty-first state to the U.S. due to it increasing population. Because of the Gold Rush the communities formed were able to build a civil government and gain admittance as a free state. (Parks.ca.gov)
“In September of 850, Tao was present at the noisy patriotic celebration when California became the newest state of the union”(386). This quote gives the reader context and setting as to where Tao is and the state of California at the time. -
Winter of 1850
Between 1848-1854 a lot of people travelled to San Francisco in search of gold like many others, but during the winter of 1850 San Francisco experience excruciating storms. (Sierrasun.com)
Allende writes “The last days of January 1850 witnessed one of the worst ice storms even seen in those parts”(370). Explaining how miners had left their mines and Eliza and her crew we unable to leave their home barn or weeks. As a Chilean this winter added on to the hardships she had to face in California. -
Ratification on Land Ownership
From 1846-1866 a lot of land was taken way from those of Spanish or Mexican descent in order for white people to own the land.
“Another decree was the last nail in the coffin: claims on their ranches, where they had lived for generation, had to be ratified by a court in San Francisco”(399). In this, Allende explains the unfortunate effects of the Mexico losing the war against the U.S. and the federal government getting their hands on land through statehood; more Natives losing land.