Lesson 41 of 84 · Immigration
⭐ 30 XPChinese Immigrants and the Gold Rush
During the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, many Chinese immigrants traveled to America in hopes of finding gold and improving their lives.
🎯 Your mission
Connect the dots between past and present.
⚡ The twist
There's always more than one side to the story.
Mind = Blown
🤯 The world is wilder and weirder than the textbook makes it look.
Then & Now
🕰️ History isn't really 'history' — it shapes today, every day.
During the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s, many Chinese immigrants traveled to America in hopes of finding gold and improving their lives. They faced many challenges but were determined to succeed. While some found riches, many took jobs in labor-intensive industries, including building railroads. The contributions of Chinese immigrants were essential to the growth of California and the American West.
Key Facts
The California Gold Rush began in 1848.
Chinese immigrants played a major role in building the transcontinental railroad.
Not all Chinese immigrants found gold, but many worked hard in other jobs.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What event brought many Chinese immigrants to America?
Why this still matters
This shapes your daily life in ways you stopped noticing.
Stretch Challenge
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