Would you agree that the benefits of the gold rush were more important than the problems that it caused?

Question

Would you agree that the benefits of the gold rush were more important than the problems that it caused?

Answer 1

It helped us afirm out position out west by having Americans move out west en masse. This is in my opinion the biggest benefit as Mexico couldn't claim or dispute it now that their former territory was predominately American.

Answer 2

Which GOLDRUSH _ - - - there have been many not only in the US of A but in Australia and other places - - - over-all GOL:D RUSHes bring out the worst in people.  The thought that by gouging a hole in the Earth one can obtain incredible riches.  Mostly though the bulk of the gold diggers lay dead in a ditch while the more clever sorts steal their gold.  The four men who arguably made the most money from the California Gold Rush of 1849-1852 (or so) never grubbed for Gold, they made their fortune selling shovels to miners for $100 in an era when a shovel usually cost $10; they sold flour for $25 a barrel when $5 was the norm.

All Gold Rushes reek havoc on the enviroment and in North America they were a handy excuse to slaughter the Natives whikle despoiling their land.

A lot depends on your perspective - - - yes GOLD in California made California an American State - - - and centuries later gave white Americans a handy excuse to disrespect 'Mexicans' or anyone with a darker tan and black hair.  I for one wish things had turned out different!

Peace/////////////////////////////////...

Answer 3

The rebuilding of San Francisco came from the money generated in Goldfield, Nevada from their gold holdings, so if it had not been for the gold rush, the rebuilding of California after the 1906 earthquake would not have been possible