The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill. This event triggered a massive migration of prospectors and settlers seeking wealth and new opportunities, embodying the spirit of Manifest Destiny—America's belief in expanding westward across the continent.

Source A: Diary Entry of a Gold Prospectorm

'When the news of gold reached the East, thousands of us packed our belongings and headed west. The journey was arduous, but the promise of gold kept us going.' Provenance: Diary of James Miller, 1849.

Below is a timeline of significant events related to the Gold Rush and westward expansion:

Source B: Timeline of the California Gold Rush

• 1848: Gold discovered at Sutter's Mill
• 1849: The 'Forty-Niners' arrive in California en masse
• 1850: California becomes the 31st state
• 1852: First major gold mining corporations established
• 1855: Gold discoveries in other western states

Source C: Historian View

'The Gold Rush was a pivotal moment that accelerated American territorial growth and reinforced the belief in Manifest Destiny.' Provenance: Historian Dr. Laura Smith, 2010.

Source D: Prospectors' View 'Finding gold meant freedom and opportunity. It was our chance to build a new life.'

Source E: Native American Perspective 'The gold rush brought destruction and suffering to our people, breaking our way of life.'

Historian's Analysis:

'The Gold Rush was celebrated as a symbol of American opportunity but also a period of suffering for indigenous peoples and environmental damage.' Provenance: Dr. Alan Roberts, 2015.