America in the nineteenth century made a startling discovery. While maintaining a mill in California, one of John Sutter's partners found two chunks of shiny stone. After examining it, the partners determined that it was gold. News of the remarkable find spread rapidly. In record time, the word crossed the mountains and thousands scrambled to uncover their share of the loot. The California gold rush had begun.

Though it fed on a lot of people's greed, the gold rush had many rewards for the United States and even the world. This discovery boosted the national economy, encouraged Americans to create new settlements, and provided the means for many new businesses to be created. Overall, the gold rush brought fresh prosperity to America and in turn she was able to pass her good fortune on to other nations in need.

California's sudden surge of prospectors encouraged the establishment of new businesses to meet the demands for items such as clothing, tools, and food. In fact, many times the vendors of food and clothing were better off then the miners. Businessmen charged steep prices for their wares and wisely invested it for greater returns. One of these companies, Levi Strauss and Co., emerged when miners felt the need for heavy-duty work pants. Mr. Strauss experimented with canvas and created what we know today as denim. The demand for blue jeans has never disappeared.

Thousands of pilgrims crossed the continental divide to work and settle down. California still has a huge population and it is the headquarters of countless corporations. It is interesting that the price for living seems to have stayed at an expensive level. However, the continued high prices are not necessarily because of the gold rush.

Other countries during the time of the gold rust might have envied the United States' good luck. Because the U.S generously loaned money and provided financial aid, though, many of these countries benefited from the America's jackpot in California.

Thus, the great opportunity of mining gold in California contributed to better footings for many nations in the modern age.