Conclusion
The final question remains, was the Gold Rush beneficial or detrimental to the United States and California?
Those in favor of the gold claim it helped turn California into a beneficial state to add the Union. California statehood accelerated railroad-building. Not only did the mining industry increase, the Gold Rush further promoted manufacturing, farming and construction throughout California. This helped poverty stricken families get ahead in life.The Gold Rush also helped America as a whole. The money made in this industry helped finance wars such as the Mexican War and the Civil War. Gold Rush supporters claim it created economic boon to the miners, to California and to the entire country.
On the other hand, the Gold Rush inspired men to abandon their normal lives and rush to California. Many died during the trip, while others that did survive did not find as much gold as they expected. In addition, the Gold Rush came with crimes of murder, prostitution and robbery. Furthermore, racism increased and California's native Indian population plunged because the whites persecuted them for land and caused their death by introducing new diseases. Finally, Mining caused environmental harm as well.
The positives definitely outweigh the negatives when it comes to the Gold Rush. Not only did the Gold Rush provide jobs for many people and boost the economy, it also helped fume the desire to move the west. California became industrialized and agriculture as well as populated. The Gold Rush helped the idea of Manifest Destiny come true. The United States now has coast to coast boarders. The Gold Rush may have had negative influences on America however; the positives are more prominent in society today.
Those in favor of the gold claim it helped turn California into a beneficial state to add the Union. California statehood accelerated railroad-building. Not only did the mining industry increase, the Gold Rush further promoted manufacturing, farming and construction throughout California. This helped poverty stricken families get ahead in life.The Gold Rush also helped America as a whole. The money made in this industry helped finance wars such as the Mexican War and the Civil War. Gold Rush supporters claim it created economic boon to the miners, to California and to the entire country.
On the other hand, the Gold Rush inspired men to abandon their normal lives and rush to California. Many died during the trip, while others that did survive did not find as much gold as they expected. In addition, the Gold Rush came with crimes of murder, prostitution and robbery. Furthermore, racism increased and California's native Indian population plunged because the whites persecuted them for land and caused their death by introducing new diseases. Finally, Mining caused environmental harm as well.
The positives definitely outweigh the negatives when it comes to the Gold Rush. Not only did the Gold Rush provide jobs for many people and boost the economy, it also helped fume the desire to move the west. California became industrialized and agriculture as well as populated. The Gold Rush helped the idea of Manifest Destiny come true. The United States now has coast to coast boarders. The Gold Rush may have had negative influences on America however; the positives are more prominent in society today.