USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The California Gold Rush was sparked by the discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in early 1848 and was arguably one of the most significant events to shape American history during the first half of the 19th century.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gold became highly concentrated in California, United States as the result of global forces operating over hundreds of millions of years. Volcanoes, tectonic plates and erosion all combined to concentrate billions of dollars’ worth of gold in the mountains of California.

Detailed explanation-3: -While most of the newly arrived were Americans, the gold rush attracted thousands from Latin America, Europe, Australia and China. Agriculture and ranching expanded throughout the state to meet the needs of the settlers.

Detailed explanation-4: -Before the discovery of gold, the territory’s population was approximately 160, 000, the vast majority of whom were Native Americans. By about 1855, more than 300, 000 people had arrived. Most were Americans, though a number of settlers also came from China, Europe, and South America.