The significance of the Gold Rush in California (1848-1855) was immense, as it triggered a massive influx of immigrants and dramatically accelerated westward expansion in the United States. Thousands flocked to California in search of fortune, leading to the rapid development of new towns and the establishment of a diverse population. This gold-fueled migration prompted the need for infrastructure, such as roads and railroads, connecting the Eastern states to the West. Furthermore, the Gold Rush contributed to California’s admission to the Union as a state in 1850, while also exacerbating tensions over slavery in new territories.