Premium Essay

From Famine to Gold

In:

Submitted By prockey
Words 695
Pages 3
GKE1 Task 1

Peggy Rockey
Western Governors University WGU Student ID# 294112

From Famine to Gold One significant geographic factor that led to the expansion of the United States was the California Gold Rush. The lure of gold brought an estimated 80,000 prospectors to California in 1849, and though many came and went, by 1852 the population had grown to 223,856, according to a special census (Udall & Emmons, 2003 p156).
The importance of this geographic factor is not so much in the search for gold, though there is much to be said for the advances of mining techniques and the destruction that resulted. Rather, the importance is in the attraction of the gold itself, which lured so many people west, hoping to get rich quick, but instead settled down and built farms and churches and communities.
San Francisco quickly rose as an international trade port, which brought economic growth to the area. A few merchants got wealthy selling tools and materials to prospectors, and over time built shipyards and textile mills, saw mills and ironworks. Wagon roads were built over the Sierra Nevada's and eventually a transcontinental railroad connected the Nation (Udall & Emmons, 2003 p157).
The building of the transcontinental railroad may have been one of the greatest achievements of the American people during the nineteenth century. It was built primarily by Chinese and Irish immigrants and extended from Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California (Ambrose, 2000 p17).
These Irish Immigrants came to America as a result of the Irish Potato Famine, another significant environmental factor that led to the expansion of the United States. The famine brought over one million immigrants from Ireland to the United States between 1847-1857. These dispossessed immigrants came to the large cities on the East Coast, such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago,

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Gke1 Task 1

...the Development/Diffusion of Human Societies Part A The Nile River was a significant geographic factor that contributed to the development of Egypt. This 6,695 Kilometer river; which is the largest river in the world contribution to Egypt's early human society in a way that is difficult to replicate. (The River Nile Facts, 2008). The Nile River provided drinking water for farmers and others who lived alongside the banks of the Nile. Also the Nile River floods predicted essentially how crops harvested. If there was too much water, the irrigation system could be damaged and if there was too little, there could be famine. This, however, did not deter the farmers, because they knew that this was their livelihood and their means of survival. The annual floods began from July to October. After the floods water receded, crops were ready for harvest from February. There were three seasons; the time of which the floods occurred , the receding of the water and the preparation for harvesting by preparing the soil and planting the seeds. There was also transportation of goods along the Nile River. This enabled the Egyptian civilization to attain economic growth. Therefore, it is clear what a significant factor the Nile River played and contributed to the development of Egypt. It's contribution was unprecedented. (Orlin, 2010) Part B The process of diffusion regarding Tea is a story that is truly amazing. The story of how Tea originated in China and spread geographically...

Words: 1206 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Us & World History

...land to produce an abundance of crops for food and trade. This also attracted settlers. With the cultivating success, the Egyptian society evolved rapidly. The Nile River was also the main way to transport goods, trade with outlying communities and to communicate (Hoyt, 2013). It has shaped the life of the Egyptian society. Dr. Robert Whiting describes the geographical process as a way things spread from one place to another (Whiting, PHD, 2013). Among the early human societies, tea is an important part of diffusion. Tea was discovered in China. The ideal climate in the country was perfect for harvesting the tea leaves. Tea can be traced back to 600 BC. It is believed that tea was used for herbal medicinal qualities. Tea became a popular drink during the Tang Dynasty of China (618AD) Tea then spread to Japan in the 6th century, by a priest studying in China. The tea was used for rituals for medicinal use, it is very popular beverage in today Japanese culture. Tea finally arrived in France in the 17th century. Only the elite drank the tea because of the high cost. From there in the 18th century, the British traders began to transport tea into Morocco. The popularity of tea increased because of foreign trade. This is where tea started to change by adding sugar and mint to the product to make Green Tea. Tea salons were popular in the 20th century...

Words: 973 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Gke Task1

...significant environmental factor in the development of the Egyptian society is the Nile River. The Nile River made it possible for the Egyptian people “to form the first nation by 3000 BCE” (The Gift of the Nile, n.d.) From its rise to its fall the Egyptian civilization depended on the Nile River. The Nile focus created a more positive point of view for Egyptian society “for it could be seen as a source of never-failing bounty to be thankfully received, rather than a menacing cause of floods” (Guisepi, n.d.). The Nile River flooded yearly when the snow melted off of the East African mountains. The violent flow of water would turn up silt, fragments of plants and soil, and deposit them along its banks. The nutrient laden silt allowed the Egyptians to plant and cultivate crops. This natural resource created a vital ecological dynamic that aloud them to build an empire around. The Nile River also provided them a way to transfer goods and connect with others. “These contacts spread certain Egyptian influences, notably in monumental architecture, to other areas” (Guisepi, n.d.). The Egyptian people used the environment along the Nile River to their benefit and not only developed the land, but their culture as well. B. The first reference to charioteers in the civilized world comes from Syria around 1800 BCE (Plubins, 2013). Over the next 400 years the advancement, “either by direct migration of steppe people or by diffusion,” (Plubins, 2013) it rapidly became the favored leading weapon. In 1700...

Words: 803 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Gke Task 1

...WGU GKE1 GKE1TASK1WALKER Arguably one of the great societies from the past was the Andrean civilization or Inca. Before this population that totaled over 12,000,000 to the Spanish, the Incas were a self-sustained community. A significant geographical factor that contributed to the success of this empire was its location 11,000 feet up in the Andeas mountain range in South America ("Soomo," 2013). This location up in the mountains provided a great canvas to create a massive empire that provided and protected all their people. Some things that these mountains provided for these people were water from glaciers at higher elevations; this water ran downhill, the Incas built rock-cut channels that followed the streets to make this water available to all people, animals and crops ("Soomo," 2013). This mountain range might have created a challenge for some civilizations; however the Incas used it wisely. Sculpting the mountainside into terraces to grow crops like maize and potatoes, these crops did well at these elevations and temperatures. These mountains also provided a habitat for the llamas and alpaca that the Incas sheared for wool (Hughes, 2002, p. 116). All in all the Incas used these mountains well for survival and as a way to protect their people and empire. They used this resource daily, however the protected well for future generations to use. The Potato is a diverse vegetable, there was a one point 235 different species (Smith, 2011, p. 12). This tuber was...

Words: 971 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Gke Task 1

...Plain of Shintar. In this area where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers converged, there was an amazing and consistent supply of water, which helped these people develop their way of life (Hollar, 2011). The largely watered area gave way to an abundant amount of rich soil. This soil provided the ability to build houses and create irrigation systems. These tasks required cooperation among the settlers, leading to the growth of their newly established government. The soil also allowed the Sumerians to benefit from the their agriculture. The first grown items were barley, emmer, olives, grapes and flax (Hollar, 2011). Task 1-B The process of the diffusion of tea between early human societies began as early as the first century AD. The origin of tea is not historically clear, although it is said to have originated in China (Saberi, 2010). Initially, tea was used for the treatment of various ailments, such as stomach problems and other illnesses (Saberi, 2010). During the Tang dynasty from 618-907 AD, tea earned the reputation of being refreshing and invigorating. During this time, in the late eighth century a book called The Classic of Tea was written explaining the different ways to prepare tea (Saberi, 2010). Over the next centuries, the popularity of tea continued to flourish around the world. By the seventeenth century, tea had many different uses and ways of preparation. The first shipment of tea came to Europe in 1610,...

Words: 1136 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Gke Task 1

...The California gold rush was a significant factor that contributed to the development of the United States. Environmental resources have always been an incentive to people to move their families to another location. This is what people did during the gold rush in San Francisco. Many families moved themselves across land and sea on the potential of wealth offered by California’s gold. The emigrants came to a part of the United States where very little people were, causing the population to grow quickly. By the end of the year, the non-native population of California was estimated at 100,000, (as compared with 20,000 at the end of 1848 and around 800 in March 1848) (in text cite). The onset of new people also caused the once deserted land to grow into communities, which helped to expand and develop the United States. The settlers built the communities with roads, houses, and other important places needed to sustain the town. These grew from small towns to bigger ones as the settlers developed and spread across the land. They not only developed the communities but they integrated different cultures together. People from all over came to California and these settlers had to learn to communicate and coexist with each other. This influx of new people contributed to California becoming an official state of the United States. These actions helped to develop the United States because of environmental resources. The Irish Potato Famine that happened 1845-1849 is another example of environmental...

Words: 797 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Gke1- Geography and the Development and Diffusion of Human Society

...civilization and urbanization. Mesopotamia was flat land that was situated between the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers. The land was rich in nutrients and clay that allowed for the Mesopotamian people to plant crops, build shelters to live in and store their harvested crops, also allowed for the benefits of domestication of animals. Even through all of the development of their lands it was not without transgression, they did have to overcome many environmental issues: floods, droughts, storms, dust, heat, disease and even death. The Mesopotamian people held strong and allowed them to overcome and prosper (Mark, 2009) (Guisepi, 1998) (Historical TV, 2013). With the ability to grow crops and raise animals the Mesopotamian people slowly transformed from hunter- gathers to agriculturally sound civilization. Creating a life for themselves through the process of trade. The Mesopotamian people are also credited with the first wheel, writing utensils, trade implementation, and much more. Through all of this the Mesopotamian cultural developed a city...

Words: 1313 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Mexico

...Chapter 6 “The Crisis of the Porfirian Political Economy”  In Morelos • Sugar production dropped drastically from 52,230,155 kilo (1908-1909) to 48,531,600 kilos • Mexican producers were facing an American tariff and new growers in Cuba • Tried to compensate the loss by selling to Mexico city and “domestic consumptions” • Event in Morelos reflected the Mexican agriculture at the time period • There was famine going on in the center and northern parts of the country. Corn shipments were being delivered from other countries cause of the shortage. Some 200,000 tons was imported between 1907-1910 • 1908-1909 there was a drought and that is why there was a shortage of corn. It was mostly due to lack of proper irrigation • The governments wasn’t willing to fund enough money for proper irrigation and also because of not having the sufficient farming tools. This lead to the inevitable down fall of Mexican agriculture • Diaz government had a plan for irrigation but because of the peasant displacement in favor of cash crop, which they farmed on their land, lead to a shortage of crops. Irrigation and the favor cash crop with the drought and crops that were infested in the south and center lead to the famine. • Because of this drought of crops domestic companies started coming into Mexico. This didn’t make Mexican society happy • In Veracruz, foreigners held 95 percent of the city’s private property. Cost of living doubles between 1901-1911 • There...

Words: 775 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Gke1 Task 1

...physical geographic factors that contributed to the development or expansion of the United States is the California Gold Rush and the Irish Potato Famine. The first most significant factor was the California Gold Rush. Before gold was officially discovered in Northern California on January 24, 1848, Kelly (n.d.) states that the entire population of the California territory was around 25,000. A few years after California was admitted as the 31st state in The Union in 1850, a special census was taken and the population had grown to 223,856. Kelly (n.d.) also states that in San Francisco alone, the population was approximately 800 in 1848 to well over 50,000 at the close of 1849. Before the rush, California was a vast wild wilderness that most Americans never dreamed of visiting. There were tales of savage people and even more savage wilderness and it was widely known that lawlessness and general uncivility reigned supreme throughout the new Western Territories. These tales enthralled the general public but deterred most from doing anything but follow the stories through newspaper articles and books. But with the discovery of a gold nugget at a sawmill owned by John Sutter, all of this changed. Newspapers reported the great discovery and when U.S. President James Polk confirmed the rumors in his annual congressional address in December of 1848, the California Gold Rush was on! This rush came a time in history when people of the United States were daring to dream of a nation...

Words: 1221 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Gke1 Task 1

...factor that contributed to the development of the ancient South American society of the Incas was the Andes Mountains. The Inca Empire had villages and cities throughout the Andes Mountains. Some of these settlements were as low as sea level and their capital, Cusco, was at an altitude of 11,200 feet. The Andes are considered some of the longest and highest mountain ranges. In fact it’s tallest peak, Mount Aconcaqua, in Argentina, tops out at 22,841 feet (Zimmermann, 2013). Despite the fact that people were traversing mountains the people flourished creating trails, aqueducts and agricultural practices that still exist today. Almost every aspect of the Incas life were affected by the Andes. Due to the changes in climate and altitude from one settlement to another, the Incas had to develop resilient breeds of crops including potatoes, quinoa and corn (Graber, 2011). Not only were the mountains home to the Incas believed them to be Gods. They created some of the most indelible cities right into the sides of the mountains in an extremely precise manor that is still studied to this day. For these reasons and many more, the Andes Mountains are certainly one of reasons the ancient people of South America grew as a civilization. PART B The process of diffusion between early human societies can easily be seen through the use and distribution of the potato throughout the globe. The potato was originally cultivated in South America between 3000 and 7000 years ago although...

Words: 1293 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Early Jamestown Research Paper

...Three ships: the Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery sailed across the sea from England to the new land which would become known as America carrying 104 English men and boys, some of which were a part of the Virginia London Company. They were seeking religious freedom, adventure, wealth and a chance at a new life. They hoped to find gold and riches in the new land. While on their journey they encountered many obstacles such as storms, piracy and diseases such as scurvy. They landed on the east coast of America near the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia on December 6, 1606. After arriving in Virginia, the English settlers encountered many difficulties. They drank water from salty rivers which caused dehydration and ultimately contributed to the deaths of many of the settlers. They encountered difficulties with famine, specifically the Starving Time in the fall of 1609 which also contributed to many deaths. They also experienced anxiety and uncertainty with the natives and Spaniards. Many deaths was also the result of encounters with the natives....

Words: 1154 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Chapt. 23 Outline

... 1. 10 Important Facts a) Ulysses S. Grant - He was a great soldier but an inept politician. Republicans would wave “the bloody shirt” for Grant which was reviving gory memories of the civil war. Grant had won with 214 electoral votes to 80 votes for Seymour. b) James G. Blaine - He was from Maine and was a radiantly personable congressman with an elastic conscience. Blaine was one of the late 19th century's leading Republicans and champion of the moderate reformist faction of the party known as the "Half-Breeds". c) Burly “Boss” Tweed – He employed briery, graft, and fraudulent elections to milk the metropolis of as much 200 million dollars. Tweed’s luck ran out when the New York Times discovered evidence in 1871 and published. He then died behind bars. d) Democrats – They had a solid electoral base in the south and in the northern industrial cities, teeming with immigrants and controlled by well-oiled political machines. e) Republicans – Their strength laid largely in the Mid-West and the rural and small-town Northeast. Important blocs of republicans’ ballots came from the GAR- a politically potent organization with many Union veterans of the civil war. f) Grover Cleveland – He was a solid lawyer of 47 and was the first democrat to take the oath of presidential office in twenty eight years since Buchanan. He also believed that the people should support the government but not vise-versa. g)...

Words: 731 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Jamestown

...Jamestown On May 14, 1607 three ships sailed for the new colony known as Jamestown Virginia. The boats were packed with one hundred and four men and boys who left England on a cold December day. King James I had granted the Virginia Company its first charter which stated the right to establish colonies in Virginia. Any Englishmen that wanted to had the rights as colonists in the new settlement. The King had his eyes on Gold ore that had been found there by the Spanish and looked at this opportunity as an economic one for England. Little did they all know about the hardships that they would encounter in “the new world”. Life at Jamestown is the story of brave people with a fierce determination to survive which laid the foundation for our country today. The first mistake the colonists made was the location. The goal was to find a place on a river so the colonists could search for a northwest passage, and that would be a key defensive position in case of attacks from the Natives and Spanish. The Location of Jamestown was in a swampy area and was isolated from most game which needed more space to inhabit. Almost all game on the tiny peninsula was killed and hunted immediately which left the settlers with little to eat. Not only was the location bad for hunting but the low, surrounding land was marshy and filled with mosquitos which carried and led to several diseases. Along with little food, and disease filled bugs, the river that Jamestown was located by was contaminated and unsuitable...

Words: 795 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

History Gke1

...Task1 2 A. The two rivers, Tigris and Euphrates are substantial examples of geographical and environmental factors that impacted the development of the Mesopotamia civilization. Mesopotamia- “known as the land between two rivers”. (Hollar,2011). Details Tigris river is 1180 miles long deeper but shorter than the Euphrates river. The Euphrates River is 1700 miles long and not as deep only flat boats can ride along this river. (Hollar,2011). I believe both rivers contributed to the Mesopotamia civilization and were significant geographical and environmental factors. The two rivers were a point of focus from the beginning. They provided rich soil perfect for agriculture, deposits of mud and clay to build their community, mode of transportation and water for irrigation for crops. The use of these valleys’ soil and water were signs of innovation and exchange. The Mesopotamians made the Fertile Crescent fertile with their irrigation technology. (Keita,n.d) They had to create an irrigation system so they could better operate the river’s water. Along with the fertile soil, proper irrigation and organized labor they reaped the benefits of the land. They were able to grow a surplus of food not only for the community but also for crops to trade. Human movement to the River Valley in Mesopotamia is the outcome of people taking action to the abundant...

Words: 1011 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Native Americans In American History: The California Gold Rush

...The Native Americans first became significant in states history in the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced Native Americans, who lived east of the Mississippi, farther west. Native Americans have a role in the state’s economy, economic goals, accomplished things, and have social goals. Native Americans role in the state’s economy is that they used buffalo meat for food and the bones, hide were used to make clothes, tepees, and tools. Some $10 billion (2002 dollars) in gold was mined from California, tribal lands between 1849 and 1862.The California Gold Rush was from 1848 through 1855 was in American history which began January 24, 1848. Gold was founded by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. This...

Words: 337 - Pages: 2