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The California Gold Rush

This worksheet covers key aspects of the California Gold Rush, including its causes, effects, and significant events.

Grade 9 Social studies HistoryU.S. HistoryCalifornia Gold Rush
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CA.HSS.8.8.2CA.HSS.8.8.3California Gold RushU.S. HistoryGrade 9GoldCalifornia
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The California Gold Rush

Name:

Date:

Score:

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability.

1. What year is generally considered the start of the California Gold Rush?

a

1846

b

1848

c

1850

d

1852

2. The discovery of gold that sparked the Gold Rush occurred at which location?

a

Sutter's Fort

b

Coloma

c

San Francisco

d

Sacramento

3. The primary method of gold extraction during the early years of the Gold Rush was  .

4. Many gold seekers traveled to California by sea, often sailing around  .

5. The rapid increase in California's population due to the Gold Rush led to its admission as a state in  .

6. The California Gold Rush primarily attracted only American citizens.

T

True

F

False

7. The Gold Rush had a significant negative impact on California's native populations.

T

True

F

False

8. Describe two significant economic impacts of the California Gold Rush on the United States.

9. Explain the concept of a 'forty-niner' and what motivated them to travel to California.

Match each term on the left with its correct description on the right.

10. Vigilance Committees

 

a. The route around South America

11. Manifest Destiny

 

b. Belief in America's expansion across the continent

12. Cape Horn

 

c. Citizen groups formed to maintain order

Use the words below to complete the sentences.

Sutter's Mill
Levi Strauss
Transcontinental Railroad
Chinese immigrants

13. The first discovery of gold was made by James W. Marshall at  .

14. The entrepreneur credited with creating durable denim pants for miners was  .

15. A significant labor force during the construction of the   were the many workers who came to California during and after the Gold Rush.