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The Significance and Factors of the California Gold Rush

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
9 questions
~18 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the factors that contributed to the California Gold Rush and assesses their significance in American history.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Manifest Destiny
#Standard
#Significance & Factors
#Gold Rush
#Identify and categorize different factors influencing the Gold Rush
#Compare the significance of political, social, economic, and religious factors
#Explain how these factors impacted American expansion and development

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The Significance and Factors of the California Gold Rush

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. It led to a massive migration of prospectors and settlers to California, shaping its path to statehood and influencing American expansion across the continent.

Source A: Excerpt from a contemporary newspaper

'The discovery of gold has stirred a frenzy among Americans and foreigners alike. Thousands are heading west, eager to seek their fortune and claim a new life.' Provenance: California Daily, 1848.

1.
Categorize the main factors that contributed to the Gold Rush into Political, Social, Economic, and Religious categories. Provide one example for each.
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the economic and social factors that encouraged people to join the Gold Rush. Which do you think was more significant? Justify your answer with evidence.
[6 marks]
3.
Outline how political factors influenced the development of California during and after the Gold Rush.
[4 marks]
4.
Explain why religious factors played a lesser role compared to economic and social factors in attracting settlers to California.
[4 marks]
5.
Which factor do you think was MORE significant in causing the Gold Rush: economic or social? Justify your answer with evidence from the sources and your own knowledge.
[6 marks]
6.
Analyse how the combination of these factors (political, social, economic, religious) contributed to the rapid population growth in California during the Gold Rush.
[6 marks]
7.
Explain how the Gold Rush influenced the political development of California.
[4 marks]
8.
Describe the long-term effects of the Gold Rush on American expansion and development.
[4 marks]
9.
Compare the significance of economic factors with political factors in shaping California's development during the Gold Rush.
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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