Lesson 70 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California.
🎯 Your mission
Become a 5-minute expert on this.
⚡ 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 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California. This spark ignited a massive migration of people, known as 'forty-niners,' who traveled from all over the United States and even other countries in hopes of striking it rich. The rush not only transformed California's economy but also led to the rapid growth of towns and cities, as people established new communities to support the influx of miners. However, this boom also brought challenges, such as conflicts over land and resources, especially with the Native American population.
Key Facts
The Gold Rush started in 1848 after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill.
Approximately 300,000 people migrated to California during the Gold Rush.
The Gold Rush significantly accelerated California's statehood, which was achieved in 1850.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What event triggered the California Gold Rush?
Why this still matters
This shapes your daily life in ways you stopped noticing.
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Connect what you learned to one real thing in your world this week.
For the dinner table
“What's the most surprising thing you learned today?”
Next Smart Lesson
We'll pick a lesson that matches exactly where your understanding is right now.
Share this lesson
Send it to a parent looking for a 5-minute “why does that matter?” conversation starter.