Скачать или смотреть 🎵 Emperor of the United States - J.A. Norton, San Francisco, 1818–1880 (History Preview)

Joshua Abraham Norton (1818–1880) was a self-proclaimed monarch who became a legendary figure in San Francisco. Born in London and raised partly in South Africa, he arrived in California during the Gold Rush. After losing his fortune in a failed rice speculation, he reappeared in 1859 declaring himself “Emperor Norton I, Emperor of the United States.”

San Franciscans treated him with unusual respect. He issued over 200 decrees, including orders to dissolve Congress and proposals for a bridge across San Francisco Bay. Local merchants accepted his self-issued currency, and theaters reserved seats for him. His presence was part of the city’s daily life, and police officers even saluted him in the streets.

Despite eccentricities, Norton played a civic role. During riots he stepped between groups, calling for peace, and crowds obeyed. His authority rested not on law but on the affection of San Francisco’s citizens. When he died in 1880, more than 10,000 people attended his funeral, a tribute to the unique place he held in the city’s history.

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📘 Glossary
• Joshua Abraham Norton (1818–1880): Self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States, eccentric but respected figure in San Francisco.
• San Francisco: Californian city where Norton lived and became famous.
• Gold Rush: Mid-19th century migration to California following discovery of gold, context for Norton’s arrival.
• Rice speculation: The failed business venture that caused Norton to lose his fortune before declaring himself emperor.
• Decrees: Public announcements Norton issued, often published by local newspapers.
• Congress: U.S. legislative body that Norton attempted to symbolically dissolve.
• San Francisco Bay Bridge proposal: Norton called for building a bridge across the bay, an idea realized decades later.
• Banknotes: Norton printed his own currency, accepted by some local merchants.
• Funeral 1880: Massive public event in San Francisco attended by about 10,000 people.