What was the impact of the Gold Rush on westward expansion in the United States? 🔊
The impact of the Gold Rush on westward expansion in the United States was profound, as it accelerated the movement of people and settlement into the western territories. Sparked by the discovery of gold in California in 1848, it attracted hundreds of thousands of prospectors and settlers seeking fortune. This influx of population facilitated the establishment of towns and infrastructure, contributing to the development of the American West. Additionally, the Gold Rush heightened tensions over slavery in new territories, influencing political debates and the trajectory toward the Civil War.


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