William Mulholland played a key role in developing Los Angeles' water system in the early 20th century. He oversaw the aqueduct project that brought water from Owens Valley starting in 1913, fueling rapid population growth. However, this caused water wars as ranchers fought to regain access to the water. Mulholland was also devastated when the St. Francis Dam broke in 1928, killing 450 people. Meanwhile, in Mexico, Emiliano Zapata led a peasant uprising starting in 1909 against the corrupt dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz to demand return of lands and rights for farmers. He became a revolutionary leader during the Mexican Revolution.

1. Cadillac Desert
• William Mulholland migrated from
Ireland at a young age and eventually
settled in Los Angeles. He became a
civil engineer and would plan and
build the L.A. water system.
• November 5, 1913 was the day the
water flowed. “There it is – Take it”
were his famous words.
• By 1922 L.A. had grown to 1 million
in population. When water was
brought in, San Fernando valley was
flourishing with oranges, lemons,
tomatoes and peaches.

2. California Water Wars
• The Water was siphoned from
Owens Lake and River. The local
ranchers fought to regain their
water.
• The ranchers would dynamite
the aqueduct and eventually
Mulholland would send in Police
with machine guns.
• Besides Owens Lake, Mono Lake
and the Colorado River were also
sources for the L.A. water
system.
• March 1928 the St. Francis Dam
broke killing 450 people.
Mulholland was personally
devastated. The cause of the
break was never found.

3. Viva Zapada!
• 1909 Emiliano and other local
peasant farmers would visit
President Diaz asking to have their
land returned that had been taken
illegally.
• Angered by Diaz’s lake of concern,
he would lead his town in the south
to fight the injustice.
• Known as a rebel, he would
dynamite a train to steal weapons
to fight.
• President Diaz would flee and a
new President Madero would take
over but would be controlled by the
military General Gonzalez.
Euphemio and Emiliano Zapada

4. • Pancho Villa would control the North of Mexico and newly
appointed General Zapata the South.
• President Madero was a pawn and later would be assassinated.
• Pancho Villa was tired and would retire and fight no more.
• The Federal Military would ambush General Zapata, and claim
“The Tiger is dead”.
• Zapata became a martyr for his fight to free land for the peasants
and fight against corrupt power. He was a leading figure in the Mexican
Revolution.