The Lasting Impact of the California Gold Rush

The Gold Rush, starting at Sutter's Mill, significantly impacted California and the U.S., leading to population growth and the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Chinese immigrants played a crucial role but faced discrimination, culminating in the Chinese Exclusion Act. Native Americans suffered displacement and violence, leading to the reservation system. The Gold Rush shaped California's culture as a land of opportunity, influencing modern tech booms like Silicon Valley. Its legacy persists in American memory, symbolizing the pursuit of new financial opportunities.

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