The California Gold Rush which began in 1849 was the first of many "rushes" that would take place in the American West. Newly discovered mineral wealth (gold, silver, copper) was found in Alaska, Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico, and throughout the West. The opportunity for instant wealth and prosperity drew emigrants and immigrants to the West. They came from New England, eastern U.S., Mexico, Chile, China, and Europe to work the mines in hopes of striking it rich. Your assignment is to read the pages in your text, watch the documentary, then read, analyze, and interpret the primary source listed below (De Massey).
Write an essay addressing the following questions:
- What is life like for miner's in the gold fields?
- How did this experience differs for Anglo-Europeans, Mexicans, Indians, and Chinese?
- How did De Massey's experience illustrate the racial, cultural, and social tensions in the gold camps and fields?
- What were De Massey's greatest challenges?