California Gold Rush and Westward Expansion

Comprehensive flashcards covering the key people, statistics, and social/economic consequences of the 1849 California Gold Rush and Western migration.

What was the name of the path many Americans took traveling West across America?

The Oregon Trail

What were several dangers that travelers faced on the Oregon Trail?

Disease, poor weather, broken wagons, getting lost, and not enough food.

How long would the average journey take across America?

$6$ months

What specific factors led to the tragedy of the Donner Party?

They set off too late, had too many children and old people, split up, and tried to take a short cut, resulting in being stuck in the mountains and resorting to cannibalism.

Who was the man who found gold at Sutter's Mill in the late 1840s?

James Marshall

Why were the people who traveled to California in 1849 called "Forty-Niners"?

Because they migrated in the year $1849$ following the discovery of gold.

Which merchant became very rich by buying every pickaxe, shovel, and pan, making $\$36,000$ in $9$ weeks?

Sam Brannan

By the year 1855, how many people had migrated to California?

$300,000$ people

In 1852, how many Chinese people migrated to California, and what was the cause?

$20,000$ people migrated due to a famine in China.

What was the white belief that it was their right to take the land?

Manifest Destiny

What happened to California Indians as a result of the Gold Rush migration?

They were murdered or enslaved (genocide) by new migrants to get them out of the way.

How did the Gold Rush affect the overall US economy and infrastructure?

Gold from California boosted the US economy, which helped to fund railroads.

What was the population increase on the Oregon Trail between 1839 and 1846?

The number of migrants went up to $5,000$.

What were the average working conditions for miners in the California Gold Rush?

Most worked $10$ hours a day in freezing water and made very little money.

What specific sickness caused deaths among overland travelers who ran out of supplies and money?

Diarrhoea

What was the price of water for overland travelers who ran out of supplies?

$$\$5$$

According to the literacy corner, what term is used for a group of people who move from place to place?

Nomads

What was the practice of removing the top of an opponent's head after death called?

Scalping

What piece of equipment allowed miners to separate gold from river dirt?

A sieve (or pan)

What was the name of the trail used to reach the Gold Rush areas specifically?

The California Trail

Where was gold discovered in 1848, leading to the migration of 1849?

Sutter's Mill

What were two negative social consequences mentioned regarding the mining camps?

Problems of lawlessness and racial tension due to immigration.

How did the Gold Rush impact California's agricultural sector?

Farming grew, and California's excellent farmland led to exporting food products worldwide.

What was the quickest route to California by boat as mentioned in the crossword?

Through the Panama canal