Lesson 38 of 84 · Westward Expansion
⭐ 30 XPThe California Gold Rush
The California Gold Rush, which began in 1848, was a transformative event that attracted hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking fortune in the goldfields of California.
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The California Gold Rush, which began in 1848, was a transformative event that attracted hundreds of thousands of individuals seeking fortune in the goldfields of California. The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill initiated a massive influx of prospectors, known as '49ers', who migrated to California in search of wealth. This rapid population growth led to the establishment of new towns, the diversification of the economy, and the acceleration of California's admission to the Union in 1850. The Gold Rush also had profound implications for Native American communities and the environment due to increased settlement and mining activities.
Key Facts
The Gold Rush began in 1848 at Sutter's Mill.
Hundreds of thousands of '49ers' migrated to California.
The influx of settlers led to California's admission to the Union in 1850.
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1 of 2What event initiated the California Gold Rush?
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