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The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill in California in January 1848 triggered one of the greatest mass migrations in American history. The California Gold Rush transformed the West, accelerated American expansion, and brought enormous social, economic, and political consequences. This is an important topic for the AQA GCSE History specification.
On 24 January 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill on the American River in Coloma, California. He was building a sawmill for John Sutter, a wealthy landowner.
Exam Tip: The Gold Rush is a great example of a pull factor for westward migration. Be ready to link it to wider causes of expansion, including Manifest Destiny and government policy.
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