The Gold Rush

Why did 49ers risk their savings and lives looking for gold in California?

Can you think of people today who take great risks to earn great wealth? Explain.

California Gold Rush

• Why was the California Gold Rush the single most important event in the settlement of the West?

The Gold Rush

Why did 49ers risk their savings and lives looking for gold in California?

To get rich quick.

Can you think of people today who take great risks to earn great wealth? Explain.

Stock Broker, Extreme Sports Athletes, Gamblers, & Criminals (bank robber, mobster, drug dealer)

California Gold Rush

• Why was the California Gold Rush the single most important event in the settlement of the West?

• It changed California. It changed the whole west, and it changed America’s sense of itself because for the 1st time the U.S. in the minds of Americans was a continental nation since family members were now out there

California Gold Miners around 1850

Based on the map, why did San Francisco develop into a major city?

Its located downstream from the gold fields making transportation easier, and its on a bay protecting docks & ships from ocean storms