California Gold Rush: Key Concepts

The California Gold Rush, starting in the late 1840s, transformed the American West. It began with James Marshall's discovery of gold, leading to a massive influx of people seeking fortune. While some profited, many faced hardships. The rush accelerated California's statehood and spurred economic growth, but also caused environmental damage and social issues, including the oppression of minorities and Native Americans.

What event fast-tracked California to becoming a state in 1850?

• The Mexican-American War

• The California Gold Rush

• The Civil War

• The Industrial Revolution

Who was the first person to discover gold in California?

• John Augustus Sutter

• Sam Brannan

• James W. Marshall

• President James K. Polk

How did Sam Brannan become California's first millionaire?

• By mining gold himself

• By selling mining supplies to gold seekers

• By investing in real estate

• By running a successful hotel

What was the most popular way for Americans to travel to California during the Gold Rush?

• By crossing the North American continent via the Oregon and California trails

• By taking a steamship to Panama and then another to San Francisco

• By flying

• By sailing around South America

What was the primary goal of miners during the Gold Rush?

• To trade with Native Americans

• To establish permanent settlements

• To explore new territories

• To find as much gold as quickly as possible

What new mining method was introduced in 1853?

• Placer mining

• Hydraulic mining

• Rockers and long Toms

• Panning for gold

What was one of the largest single movements of human beings in world history?

• The California Gold Rush

• The Oregon Trail

• The Great Migration

• The Industrial Revolution

What was a major negative impact of hydraulic mining?

• It improved farming techniques

• It destroyed California's landscape

• It created new jobs

• It increased gold production

What was the impact of the Gold Rush on California's Native American population?

• They became wealthy

• They were unaffected

• Their population increased

• Their population drastically decreased

What was one of the reasons Chinese immigrants came to America during the Gold Rush?

• To escape the ruling Qing government

• To join the military

• To explore new territories

• To establish new businesses