James Gregory’s study An American Exodus

1) James Gregory’s study, ‘An American Exodus’, looks not at international immigration as in Lisa See’s study ‘On Gold Mountain’, But domestic migration from the center of the country to the west coast. How did California change these inland migrants? How did they maintain older cultural manners and mores? How might you contrast their experience with international immigrants coming into California? 2) D.J. Waldie’s ‘Holy Land’ and James Gregory’s book ‘An American Exodus’, deal with two aspects of the “California Dream.”How would reconcile these visions? How do they connect? How do they differ? 3) Many observers believe that over the last 150 years California has become a bellwether state. That is, what happens first in California eventually spreads to much of the rest of the country. Do you agree with this observation? Do you disagree? What three examples, or more, would you offer to support your argument? Please use at least two of the books to help illustrate your answer. 4) California is one of the most diverse places in not just the United States but the world. How would you account, from an historical perspective, for the amazing diversity in the state?