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The Gold Rush was the start of something big – and diverse. California’s present-day diversity started with the mass immigrations of the Gold Rush.
People from around the globe, including Asia, Latin America, and Europe, immigrated to California with dreams of striking it rich and establishing a new life. Americans from the eastern United States also joined the Gold Rush. As a result, people of different cultures, religions, and economic classes found themselves thrown together in one place. Immigration transformed California into the most diverse society in history. It also sparked many challenges.
All the newcomers came looking for opportunity. Some found it by staking claims, building businesses, or starting farms. Another important development was that women found greater opportunity in California than elsewhere.
