Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton is known as one of the earliest Mexican-American authors published in English, and her life story is tied closely to the Mexican-American war and the establishment of California as a state.
Research:

Behind the Scenes Minis: Whoopsy Whimsy
24:41

Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755
39:02

Benzedrine, Pervitin, and WWII
39:42