Following the discovery of gold in California
in 1848, the world rushed in. Eager gold seekers headed south from
Oregon; north from Mexico, Chile, and Peru; east from China and the
islands of the Pacific; and west from every state in the union and
countries throughout Europe. This richness of intersecting frontiers
produced the most ethnically diverse region in the nation.
Gold-rush California also became a region noted for
its ethnic conflict. Frustrated ambitions of unsuccessful gold seekers
were vented in an almost unending round of ethnic hostilities. Scapegoats
were eagerly sought, identified with lightning speed, and dispatched
with little regret.
Native American miners were forced to abandon the diggings,
and many fell victim to genocidal campaigns. The destruction of the
ranchos dispossessed members of the old rancho elite, and Latino
miners endured violent opposition as well as discriminatory taxes.
French miners, derided as Keskydees, bitterly complained when they
too were compelled to pay extra fees as foreign miners. Hawaiians
in the gold fields were commonly called Kanakas. Chinese immigrants
came seeking their fortune in the fabled land known as Gam Saan.
African Americans were a small minority in gold rush California and
they too were bounded by unfair laws and practices. In spite of discrimination
and hardship, individuals like Biddy Mason left a legacy of pride
and accomplishment.
Gold-rush California also became a region noted for
its ethnic conflict. Frustrated ambitions of unsuccessful gold seekers
were vented in an almost unending round of ethnic hostilities. Scapegoats
were eagerly sought, identified with lightning speed, and dispatched
with little regret.