The California Gold Rush was much more than a western or white event - it involved and affected diverse peoples, places, and histories far outside of its region and time. This title examines its trajectory and legacy within a global context of race, economics, and culture.
Leading scholars reexamine the California gold rush, evaluating its legacy with regards to religion and race, economics, technology, law, and culture. The opportunity for instant wealth directly influenced a dynamic range of peoples, including Mormon military veterans, California Indian workers, both slave and free African Americans, Chinese village farmers, skilled Mexican miners, and Chilean merchants. Emphasizing gold rush social history, some contributors examine the roles and influence of women, workers, law-breakers, and law-enforcers. Others consider the long-term impact of this episode on California and the American West and on subsequent gold rushes in Pacific Rim countries and the Klondike.
