The Gold rush
During the first half of the 19th century, explorers like Lewis and Clark and a lot of pioneers opened the way west to discover new territories or have a better life.
In 1848 gold was discovered in California. From then on, thousands of "Forty-Niners" (year 1849) rushed west, hoping to get rich and boosting the population from about 14,000 to over 200,000 in 1852. But prospecting for gold was very hard and a matter of chance.
The effects of the Gold Rush were significant. Roads, churches, schools and other towns were built throughout California. The "Golden State" even became California's nickname
However, the Gold Rush also had negative effects: Native Americans who were attacked and pushed off traditional lands responded by attacking the miners.
