1. Objective: ► If gold was discovered on the moon, would you go? Why or why not? Why challenges might you face? ► SWBAT evaluate the impact of the Gold Rush on California. Do Now:

2. GOLD!!! The Discovery of Gold in California Changes the Face of the West

3. The Rush Begins ► January 1848 – James Marshall, a carpenter working on John Sutter’s property in CA discovered gold ► People dismissed rumor at first ► In December, Polk announced gold mines were “extensive and valuable” ► Thousands flocked to CA to find riches – “Gold Fever”

6. Impact of Gold Fever ► California Trail – route to Northern CA ► The “forty-niners” were from all over - America, Asia, South America and Europe ► People left their lives & jobs to find riches ► Cities boomed (San Francisco – population went from 1,000 to 35,000 from 1848-1850) ► CA becomes 31 st state in 1850

7. Gold Rush Brings Diversity ► 1849 – CA’s population exceeded 100,000 ► Increasing population included Chinese, Mexicans, free blacks and whites, some had slaves ► 1849 – state constitution outlawed slavery ► Controversy over statehood application because of free/slave state debate ► CA granted statehood in 1850 (free state)