What was the primary goal of the Bear Flag Revolt in California?

The primary goal of the Bear Flag Revolt, which took place in 1846, was to establish California as an independent republic. A group of American settlers in California, dissatisfied with Mexican rule and inspired by the idea of manifest destiny, rebelled against the Mexican government. They declared California a republic and raised a flag that featured a grizzly bear, symbolizing their desire for independence. This revolt was fueled by political and cultural conflicts between the American settlers and the Mexican authorities and was part of the larger context of the U.S. expansionist movement during the mid-1800s.

The other options do not capture the main intent of the revolt. Although the Gold Rush began shortly after the Bear Flag Revolt, it was not a direct aim of the insurrection. Similarly, the idea of unifying with Mexico or facilitating railroad construction were not part of the revolutionaries' aspirations at that time. Their focus was primarily on declaring independence from Mexican governance and establishing a republic in California.