Exploring the California Gold Rush

What was the population of non-Native Americans in California before the Gold Rush?

A. 6,000

B. 14,000

C. 90,000

Answer:

B. 14,000

Before the California Gold Rush, the population of non-Native Americans in California was approximately 14,000. This number quickly changed with the influx of people searching for gold.

The Gold Rush brought about a significant increase in population, with around 6,000 people arriving in 1848 and approximately 90,000 people arriving in 1849 to search for gold.

Due to this massive immigration, the population of California grew rapidly, leading to the formation of boomtowns and the nickname "Forty Niners" for the people who moved to California during this time.