ABSTRACT
Over the past century California has evolved from a sparsely populated frontier state to the most populous state in the nation. The state’s size, strong economy, cultural influence, and diversity have propelled it to becoming a dominant player in national affairs. California’s manufacturing base has long been critical to the nation’s military, and its lead in aerospace and high technology has positioned the state for continued growth throughout the twenty-first century. In addition, California’s entertainment industries-film, music, and television-have served to export a cultural self-image that, while somewhat artificial, has served to foster the evolution of popular culture throughout the nation.
