Kalie Ackley

LBS 375

November 28, 2017

DBQ 3

During the time Pat Brown was governor of California, there was a change in American

culture. Pat Brown was also known as the godfather of modern California. He was a

conversationalist and debater, he was a true Californian and he changed the lives of many

people. Pat Browns impacts on the state of California included his master plan, fair housing, and

the water system.

Growing up, Brown was unable to go to college because he couldn’t afford it. Later in

life, he went to law school and worked for an attorney. Brown’s philosophy was “dare to dream,

to do, and to build.” During his time as governor, the master plan came about. There were many

positive impacts due to the master plan. While there was an increase in population, people who

wanted to achieve a higher education, did not have to pay tuition. Due to achieving a higher

education, people would receive double income. Three universities, eight state colleges, and

countless community colleges were built in his time as governor which made California ahead of

the nation. Brown believed in low tuition if any, because he wanted everyone to be able to go to

college since he was unable to growing up. He wanted college to be affordable and accessible so

there will be equality among everyone.

Pat Brown believed in equality. He risked his career to outlaw discrimination. He thought

it was “the right thing to do.” He wanted jobs without discrimination. A man named Byron

Rumford was Northern California’s first African American legislator. He created a Fair Housing

Act which protected buyers or renters of dwelling from seller or landlord discrimination.1 People
were now moving to “white neighborhoods” instead of segregated housing. During his era,

discrimination was fought for.

Water is a major part of living. During Brown’s era, Mulholland fought for water. He was

the head of the new Bureau of Water Works and Supply and he proposed a plan to use water

from the Owen’s River and build an aqueduct to bring water to Los Angeles. 2 There was an

increase of population which created a new city the size of San Francisco. The Water Bill was

created which built dams in the north, brought water to farms, and water to southern California.

The bill passed on less than 1%. Brown campaigned for a bond. He thought it was “best for all

people of the state.” The dam would be 700 miles long and go from Feather River in Oroville to

Central Valley to Southern California cove. California was known for the greatest agriculture in

the world. Many people relied on the state water project.

Brown made a big impact as governor of California. During his era, there were many

changes in American culture. He was a governor for the people, a risk taker and big thinker. He

believed in equality and wanted to better California with higher education, equality and water

resources. He changed the lives of many people.

 Works Cited

1. Video shown in class

2. Water powerpoint