Lesson 38 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush began in 1849 when gold was discovered in California.
🎯 Your mission
Connect the dots between past and present.
⚡ The twist
There's always more than one side to the story.
Mind = Blown
🤯 The world is wilder and weirder than the textbook makes it look.
Then & Now
🕰️ History isn't really 'history' — it shapes today, every day.
The California Gold Rush began in 1849 when gold was discovered in California. Many people, known as '49ers,' rushed to California in hopes of becoming rich by finding gold. This event led to a massive migration of people and the rapid growth of towns and cities in California. However, not everyone found gold, and many faced hardships during their journey and while mining.
Key Facts
The California Gold Rush started in 1849.
People who went to find gold were called '49ers.'
The Gold Rush led to rapid growth in California's population.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What year did the California Gold Rush start?
Why this still matters
This shapes your daily life in ways you stopped noticing.
Stretch Challenge
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Connect what you learned to one real thing in your world this week.
For the dinner table
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