How did manifest destiny affect California?

Manifest Destiny significantly impacted California by fueling westward expansion and leading to its incorporation into the United States. The ideology justified the annexation of territories, culminating in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), after which California was ceded to the U.S. The discovery of gold in 1848 accelerated migration, resulting in a rapid population surge and the establishment of California as a state in 1850. This transformation reshaped the region's economy, culture, and Demographics, setting the stage for its development as a key part of the nation.