Causes and Effects of The California Gold Rush

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the people who came during the California Gold Rush ultimately revolutionized the West by lighting the spark of consumerism and greed, seeking their fortune, and the so-called "American Dream". The paper points out that, just as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 stimulated intrigue about what was in the Ohio Valley, the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon spurred intrigue and excitement and spawned the mass movement Westward. The paper relates that the confirmation of gold discovery in California in May, 1849, by President Polk, had great influence over the American public and created a mass hysteria to seek gold in California.

From the Paper:

"California, which was once a colony of Spain and then a part of Mexico, remained virtually untouched. When the Spanish occupied this area, they did little to improve the area. The population consisted of few; however, the few that were in the most northern region of Mexico had a distinct class relation hierarchy. Government officials were made up of Spanish aristocracy, who intermarried with natives. The Spanish military also intermarried with the natives, missionaries and convicts. Spain had discouraged foreign immigration into California. Her object was neither to attract settlers nor to develop the country; the object of California was to retain political control and make it a possible asylum for Spanish people. The few settlers that came before 1822 were mainly of substantial character, possessing a real interest in the country and an intention of permanent settlement. Most of them became naturalized, married Spanish women, acquired property and became trusted citizens."

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