The influx of migrants to California, beginning in 1848 after the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, is a significant historical event often studied in the context of Advanced Placement United States History. This period witnessed a dramatic population increase and reshaped the social, economic, and political landscape of California and the nation. For example, San Francisco transformed from a small settlement into a bustling city almost overnight.
The surge in population fueled rapid economic growth but also intensified conflicts over land and resources, particularly impacting Native American populations. This event holds importance due to its contribution to westward expansion, the acceleration of California’s statehood, and its profound consequences on existing social structures. The event demonstrates the complex interplay of opportunity, exploitation, and societal transformation characteristic of the American West.
