When people thought of striking gold and beginning a new future, many could not help but wonder what could go wrong. They figured that if they could become rich and powerful, nothing that bad could happen. So, in the mid-1800s, people began to immigrate to California with that idea; most had no clue what they had gotten themselves into. The massive immigration began in January of 1848 when James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in the Sacramento Valley of California. Both he and John Sutter intended to keep the discovery a secret, but they could not control the spread of news. Soon enough, people from all over the world had begun embarking on perilous journeys to fulfill their dreams of starting a new life. However, once they reached
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The prices of everyday items were absurd as many could not pay for a glass of water, commonly priced at $100. As more and more people entered the territory, prices continued to inflate. In the early days of the gold rush, “some miners unearthed significant amounts of gold… most came away empty-handed” (Gold Strikes). Those who went without gaining profits from gold mining suffered to provide food and shelter for both themselves and their families. Often, miners were too poor to return back home. the California Gold Rush had negatively impacted the lives of foreign immigrants and miners.
First, the California Gold Rush negatively impacted the lives of foreign immigrants. During the time of the gold rush, all Americans shared the common goal of manifest destiny. Since they owned most of North America, they intended to conquer the rest of it. Even before the United States achieved its manifest destiny, many citizens had classified the West as part of the nation. The Americans said, “California was a possession of the United States; its gold was therefore America’s gold” …show more content…
In order to reach the gold-filled land, immigrants had to travel either on land or over water. The most well-known path was the Oregon Trail. The pioneer’s positive mindsets and ambitions drastically altered as the days went on. “What started as a pleasant journey turned into a miserable crossing as travelers forded rivers, climbed steep mountains, and dragged themselves across scorching deserts. Supplies and wagons often were discarded along the trail to lighten the load” (Kuck). The people who decided to travel on the Oregon Trail were unaware of the climate and conditions. The trip was not easy, as they had to overcome extreme weather, conquer rough terrain, and survive the rush of disease. The most deadly disease was cholera, a disease caused by unfiltered water. Cholera killed its victims in a matter of days… sometimes in even a few hours. In addition, the threat of Indian attacks frightened everyone-- even though few were reported. Those who survived the journey often suffered once they reached their destination. Inflation affected nearly everyone; bankruptcy was common. Normally, “a dozen eggs went for $50, while Sacramento merchants sold butcher knives for $30 each, boots for $100 a pair, blankets for $40, and tacks for $192 a pound” (Peterson). To go to California, many pioneers left the majority of their belongings at home to make the trip effortless; they figured that they would be able
The prices of everyday items were absurd as many could not pay for a glass of water, commonly priced at $100. As more and more people entered the territory, prices continued to inflate. In the early days of the gold rush, “some miners unearthed significant amounts of gold… most came away empty-handed” (Gold Strikes). Those who went without gaining profits from gold mining suffered to provide food and shelter for both themselves and their families. Often, miners were too poor to return back home. the California Gold Rush had negatively impacted the lives of foreign immigrants and miners.
First, the California Gold Rush negatively impacted the lives of foreign immigrants. During the time of the gold rush, all Americans shared the common goal of manifest destiny. Since they owned most of North America, they intended to conquer the rest of it. Even before the United States achieved its manifest destiny, many citizens had classified the West as part of the nation. The Americans said, “California was a possession of the United States; its gold was therefore America’s gold” …show more content…
In order to reach the gold-filled land, immigrants had to travel either on land or over water. The most well-known path was the Oregon Trail. The pioneer’s positive mindsets and ambitions drastically altered as the days went on. “What started as a pleasant journey turned into a miserable crossing as travelers forded rivers, climbed steep mountains, and dragged themselves across scorching deserts. Supplies and wagons often were discarded along the trail to lighten the load” (Kuck). The people who decided to travel on the Oregon Trail were unaware of the climate and conditions. The trip was not easy, as they had to overcome extreme weather, conquer rough terrain, and survive the rush of disease. The most deadly disease was cholera, a disease caused by unfiltered water. Cholera killed its victims in a matter of days… sometimes in even a few hours. In addition, the threat of Indian attacks frightened everyone-- even though few were reported. Those who survived the journey often suffered once they reached their destination. Inflation affected nearly everyone; bankruptcy was common. Normally, “a dozen eggs went for $50, while Sacramento merchants sold butcher knives for $30 each, boots for $100 a pair, blankets for $40, and tacks for $192 a pound” (Peterson). To go to California, many pioneers left the majority of their belongings at home to make the trip effortless; they figured that they would be able