History Of The Marine Corps

This episode picks up as the U.S. shifts its attention west during the Mexican-American War. While Lieutenant Archibald Gillespie carried out covert operations across California, Marines were being mobilized, and the Navy split its focus. What followed was a fast-moving campaign marked by near-bloodless landings, flag raisings, and the temporary conquest of California. Holding ground was another story. In Los Angeles, Gillespie was left in command of an undisciplined volunteer force. What started as a quiet occupation quickly unraveled into open resistance, sparked by poor leadership decisions, thin troop numbers, and local resentment. Over the next few weeks, Gillespie found himself outnumbered, undersupplied, and surrounded. This episode walks through how California was taken, how Los Angeles was lost, and why some historians blame Gillespie, while others point the finger at Commodore Stockton.  ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images