The California Gold Rush

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.

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The Discovery of Gold

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.

• Sutter tried to keep the discovery secret, fearing his land would be overrun.
• The news leaked out, and by the spring of 1848, thousands of Californians had abandoned their jobs to search for gold.
• In December 1848, President James K. Polk confirmed the discovery in an address to Congress, sparking a national frenzy.

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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The Forty-Niners