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José María Flores was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided source material indicates that José María Flores died in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, but was born in Viesca, Coahuila, Mexico. Therefore, the statement is factually incorrect.
José María Flores was married to Maria Dolores Micheltorena.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided information states that José María Flores was married to Maria Dolores Francisca, not Maria Dolores Micheltorena.
Identify the birthplace of José María Flores.
Answer: Viesca, Coahuila, Mexico
Explanation: José María Flores was born in Viesca, Coahuila, Mexico, on February 21, 1818.
Ascertain the date of José María Flores's marriage to Maria Dolores Francisca.
Answer: July 1843
Explanation: José María Flores married Maria Dolores Francisca in July 1843.
José María Flores was a captain in the Mexican Army and a member of 'la otra banda'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that José María Flores held the rank of captain in the Mexican Army and was associated with 'la otra banda,' a faction often implying opposition to established political or military leadership.
José María Flores arrived in California for the first time in 1846, just before the outbreak of major hostilities.
Answer: False
Explanation: José María Flores first arrived in California in 1842, not 1846. His arrival predated the major hostilities of the Mexican-American War in the region.
Flores's military allegiance was to the United States, serving under General Kearny.
Answer: False
Explanation: José María Flores's military allegiance was to Mexico. He actively led Californio forces against the United States during the California Campaign, and his command was independent of, and often in opposition to, General Kearny's forces.
The mention of 'la otra banda' implies Flores was part of a faction opposing the established government or military leaders.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'la otra banda' historically refers to a faction or group, often implying opposition to the established political or military authority, suggesting Flores was aligned with such a group.
Specify José María Flores's military rank and his primary allegiance.
Answer: Senior Captain, allegiance to Mexico
Explanation: José María Flores served as a Senior Captain in the Mexican Army, demonstrating his allegiance to Mexico.
Detail José María Flores's initial roles upon his arrival in California in 1842.
Answer: Secretary for Governor Micheltorena and later a captain
Explanation: Upon his arrival in California in 1842, José María Flores initially served as secretary to Governor Manuel Micheltorena, subsequently becoming a captain in the Mexican Army.
During the Mexican-American War in California, José María Flores served as the permanent Governor and Comandante General.
Answer: False
Explanation: José María Flores served as the *temporary* Governor and Comandante General pro tem of Alta California from November 1, 1846, to January 10, 1847. The term 'permanent' is inaccurate in this context.
José María Flores held dual roles as a military commander and a politician during his time in California.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indeed, José María Flores served concurrently as a military commander, notably as Comandante General, and as a political leader, assuming the role of temporary Governor of Alta California.
The flight of Governor Pío Pico and General José Castro from Los Angeles created a power vacuum that allowed Flores to assume leadership.
Answer: True
Explanation: The departure of Governor Pío Pico and General José Castro from Los Angeles indeed created a political and military vacuum, which facilitated the rise of José María Flores to the position of Comandante General and temporary Governor.
On November 1, 1846, José María Flores assumed the positions of temporary governor and comandante general of Alta California.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is correct. On November 1, 1846, José María Flores was formally recognized by the Departmental Assembly as the temporary Governor and Comandante General of Alta California.
The term 'Comandante General' signified a low-ranking administrative role with limited authority.
Answer: False
Explanation: The title 'Comandante General' signified supreme military command and significant executive authority over the territory, not a low-ranking administrative role.
The California Campaign involved U.S. forces attempting to conquer and control the territory of California.
Answer: True
Explanation: This accurately describes the California Campaign as a military effort by U.S. forces to achieve conquest and control over the territory during the Mexican-American War.
Flores appointed himself Governor and Comandante General pro tem, differing from previous governors appointed by Mexico City.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is correct. Flores assumed these titles as Governor and Comandante General pro tem through self-appointment, a deviation from the norm of appointments originating from Mexico City, reflecting the wartime circumstances.
What was José María Flores's principal role during the Mexican-American War in California?
Answer: Temporary Governor and Comandante General leading the defense
Explanation: José María Flores served as the temporary Governor and Comandante General of Alta California, leading the Californio defense against the U.S. invasion during a critical period of the war.
Which description most accurately characterizes the professional occupations of José María Flores?
Answer: Military commander and politician
Explanation: José María Flores held significant positions as both a military commander and a political figure during his service in California.
Describe the process by which José María Flores was initially selected to lead the Californio forces against the American invasion.
Answer: He was one of the officers left behind and was chosen to act as comandante general.
Explanation: Following the departure of higher-ranking officials, José María Flores, as one of the remaining officers, was chosen by the Californios to assume the role of comandante general.
On November 1, 1846, José María Flores assumed which specific governmental positions?
Answer: Temporary Governor and Comandante General
Explanation: On November 1, 1846, José María Flores assumed the roles of temporary Governor and Comandante General of Alta California.
What is the principal historical significance of José María Flores's actions during the Mexican-American War in California?
Answer: He represented a key period of Californio resistance and self-governance against the U.S. invasion.
Explanation: José María Flores's actions are historically significant as they represent a crucial period of Californio resistance and attempts at self-governance during the U.S. invasion.
In the context of José María Flores's role in Alta California, what does the title 'Comandante General' signify?
Answer: Supreme military command and significant executive authority over the territory.
Explanation: The title 'Comandante General' signifies supreme military command and substantial executive authority over the territory, indicating a position of paramount leadership.
In California, José María Flores commanded Californio troops primarily in Northern California.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Flores commanded Californio troops, his primary sphere of influence and command during the critical period of late 1846 and early 1847 was in Southern California, particularly around Los Angeles.
José María Flores was involved in the Battle of Chino, the Battle of Dominguez Rancho, and the Battle of La Mesa during the California Campaign.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical accounts confirm José María Flores's direct or indirect involvement in these significant engagements of the California Campaign, including the Battle of Chino, the Battle of Dominguez Rancho, and the Battle of La Mesa.
Captain William Mervine led American forces that landed at San Pedro in October 1846 and were subsequently confronted by Californio Lancers under José Antonio Carrillo.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement is accurate. Captain William Mervine led U.S. forces ashore at San Pedro in October 1846, and they were met by Californio Lancers commanded by José Antonio Carrillo.
The Battle of Dominguez Rancho resulted in a significant victory for the U.S. Marines against Californio forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Dominguez Rancho was a significant victory for the Californio forces led by José María Flores and José Antonio Carrillo, resulting in the retreat of Captain Mervine's U.S. Marines.
The Battle of Rio San Gabriel resulted in a decisive victory for Flores's Californio forces against Stockton's army.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Rio San Gabriel resulted in an American victory for Stockton's forces, compelling Flores to regroup his remaining troops.
The Pauma and Temecula Massacres occurred after the Battle of San Pasqual and were related to retaliatory actions involving Californio forces.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Pauma and Temecula Massacres did occur following the Battle of San Pasqual and were indeed linked to retaliatory actions initiated by Californio forces under Flores's command.
What was the result of the initial engagement between Flores's forces and Lieutenant Gillespie's troops in Los Angeles during September 1846?
Answer: Gillespie agreed to leave Los Angeles.
Explanation: The Californio forces, under the command of Captain Flores, outnumbered Gillespie's contingent. Consequently, Gillespie agreed to evacuate Los Angeles, leading to his subsequent departure from San Pedro.
During the Battle of Chino, Californio militia under José del Carmen Lugo captured prisoners. To whom were these individuals subsequently transferred?
Answer: Captain José María Flores
Explanation: The prisoners captured by José del Carmen Lugo's militia during the Battle of Chino were turned over to Captain José María Flores.
Following Lieutenant Gillespie's withdrawal, what strategic action did Flores implement to reassert control over Californio territory?
Answer: He dispatched Manuel Garfias to retake Santa Barbara without a fight.
Explanation: After Gillespie's departure, Flores initiated efforts to reclaim territory by dispatching Manuel Garfias to secure Santa Barbara, Manuel Castro to occupy San Luis Obispo, and ordered Francisco Rico to secure San Diego, although Rico's contingent was limited.
Upon the landing of Captain William Mervine's American forces at San Pedro in October 1846, whom did Flores delegate to confront them?
Answer: José Antonio Carrillo
Explanation: Flores dispatched José Antonio Carrillo, commanding fifty Californio Lancers, to confront the American forces led by Captain William Mervine at San Pedro.
What is the historical significance attributed to the Battle of Dominguez Rancho?
Answer: It was a Californio victory that forced a U.S. Marine retreat.
Explanation: The Battle of Dominguez Rancho is significant as a Californio victory, where forces under Flores and Carrillo compelled Captain Mervine's U.S. Marines to retreat, marking a notable success for Californio resistance.
In what manner did the Battle of San Pasqual indirectly influence José María Flores's strategic decisions?
Answer: It prompted him to seek reinforcements from Mexico and monitor American movements.
Explanation: Following the Battle of San Pasqual, Flores was prompted to request reinforcements from the Mexican government and to maintain vigilance over American troop movements.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Rio San Gabriel in January 1847?
Answer: An American victory, forcing Flores to regroup.
Explanation: The Battle of Rio San Gabriel concluded with an American victory, compelling José María Flores to regroup his forces.
Identify the battle among the following that was *not* explicitly documented as being directly led or participated in by José María Flores during the California Campaign.
Answer: Battle of San Pasqual
Explanation: While the Battle of San Pasqual was a significant event in the California Campaign, historical accounts primarily associate José María Flores's direct command with engagements such as the Battle of Dominguez Rancho, the Battle of Rio San Gabriel, and the Battle of La Mesa.
In December 1846, Francisco Rico and José Antonio Carrillo revolted against Flores, accusing him of financial impropriety and plotting against prisoners.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material confirms that Francisco Rico and José Antonio Carrillo did revolt against Flores in December 1846, leveling accusations of financial impropriety and mistreatment of prisoners.
Key Californio figures who assisted Flores included General Stephen W. Kearny and Commodore Robert F. Stockton.
Answer: False
Explanation: General Stephen W. Kearny and Commodore Robert F. Stockton were American military leaders whom Flores opposed. Key Californio figures who assisted Flores included José Antonio Carrillo and Andrés Pico.
The revolt against Flores in December 1846 by Rico and Carrillo was solely due to disagreements over military strategy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The revolt by Rico and Carrillo against Flores was not solely due to military strategy disagreements; accusations also included financial impropriety and plotting against prisoners.
During the December 1846 revolt, what were the principal accusations leveled against Flores by Francisco Rico and José Antonio Carrillo?
Answer: Plotting against prisoners and stealing war funds.
Explanation: The revolt led by Rico and Carrillo accused Flores of plotting against prisoners and misappropriating war funds, though Flores defended himself against these charges.
Identify the key Californio figures who served alongside or under the command of José María Flores.
Answer: José Antonio Carrillo and Andrés Pico
Explanation: Prominent Californio figures who served under or alongside José María Flores included Captain José Antonio Carrillo, who acted as second-in-command, and Andrés Pico, who held the rank of comandante de escuadrón and later assumed command.
Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie's administration in Los Angeles was characterized by lenient and popular policies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie's administration in Los Angeles was characterized by policies perceived as tyrannical and oppressive by the Californio population, which directly provoked resistance.
Following the Battle of San Pasqual, Flores requested reinforcements from the British Navy.
Answer: False
Explanation: There is no indication in the provided sources that Flores requested reinforcements from the British Navy. His focus was on consolidating Californio forces and seeking support from the Mexican government.
Flores's forces were well-supplied with arms and ammunition throughout the conflict.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. A significant challenge faced by Flores's forces was a severe scarcity of arms and ammunition, which hampered their operational capabilities.
Identify the specific actions undertaken by Lieutenant Archibald H. Gillespie that incited Californio resistance.
Answer: He exerted tyrannical and oppressive control over the local populace.
Explanation: Lieutenant Gillespie's administration in Los Angeles was characterized by tyrannical and oppressive policies, which generated significant discontent and spurred the Californios to organize resistance.
Despite achieving territorial gains, what constituted a significant military limitation for Flores's forces?
Answer: Scarcity of arms and ammunition
Explanation: A critical limitation faced by Flores's forces was the scarcity of essential arms and ammunition, which impeded their ability to sustain operations effectively.
Stockton demanded unconditional surrender from Flores and offered amnesty to all Californio participants, including Flores himself.
Answer: False
Explanation: Commodore Stockton demanded unconditional surrender but explicitly excluded Flores from the offered amnesty, stating he would face execution or imprisonment.
During the Battle of La Mesa, Flores's troops offered a flag of truce, and Flores himself departed Los Angeles shortly after.
Answer: True
Explanation: This is accurate. Following the Battle of La Mesa, Flores's troops signaled a truce, and Flores departed Los Angeles on January 10, 1847, shortly thereafter.
Before leaving California, José María Flores transferred command to Captain William Mervine.
Answer: False
Explanation: José María Flores transferred command to Andrés Pico before departing California, not to Captain William Mervine.
José María Flores released all prisoners he held before departing California for Sonora.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to his departure for Sonora, José María Flores released all prisoners under his custody.
When confronted by the combined forces of Stockton and Kearny in January 1847, what specific tactic proposed by Flores did Stockton reject?
Answer: Flores's request for a truce to await word from Mexico.
Explanation: Commodore Stockton rejected José María Flores's request for a truce, which was intended to await official news from Mexico regarding the war's conclusion.
Regarding José María Flores personally, what were the terms of surrender demanded by Commodore Stockton?
Answer: Execution or imprisonment.
Explanation: Commodore Stockton's surrender terms explicitly excluded José María Flores from amnesty, stipulating that he would face execution or imprisonment.
What event transpired immediately following the Battle of La Mesa involving Flores's troops?
Answer: Flores's troops offered a flag of truce.
Explanation: In the immediate aftermath of the Battle of La Mesa, Flores's troops extended a flag of truce, signaling the cessation of hostilities.
Prior to his departure for Sonora, what decision did José María Flores render concerning the prisoners under his charge?
Answer: He released all the prisoners he held.
Explanation: Before departing Los Angeles for Sonora, José María Flores made the decision to release all prisoners he held.
Following José María Flores's departure for Sonora, who assumed leadership responsibilities?
Answer: Andrés Pico
Explanation: Andrés Pico assumed leadership of the Californio forces after José María Flores departed for Sonora.