California Gold Rush (1848-1855) Flashcards
(4 cards)
1
Q
John Sutter
A
Swiss immigrant who owned the land where gold was first discovered (Sutter’s Mill, 1848)
- His land was overrun by gold-seekers and he lost his fortune
2
Q
Donner Party
A
- Group of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846-47
- Many died from starvation and some resorted to cannibalism to survive
- Became a tragic symbol of the dangers of westward expansion
3
Q
Forty-Niners
A
- Gold seekers who traveled to California in 1849 in search of fortune
- Many came from the Eastern U.S., Latin America, Europe, & China
- Helped California’s population explode, leading to statehood in 1850
4
Q
Experiences of Chinese Immigrants
A
- Many Chinese Immigrants came to California hoping to strike gold
- Faced racism & discrimination, including foreign miner taxes targeting them
- Many were forced out of mining & worked in railroad construction, laundries, & restaurants instead
- Played a major role in California’s economy, despite harsh treatment
