The California Gold Rush took place between 1848 and 1855, when a huge amount of gold was discovered in the region and with it, the potential of raising California towards statehood. Natives were massacred and pushed off their lands in order to install mines and rapidly take advantage of the resources.
A crucial aspect of the Gold Rush was the unprecedented wave of immigration it brought to California. People from all over the world came in, reflecting on how big the potential for enrichment was. At first, they were accepted under Mason's laissez-faire approach as they served their purpose. However, once resources started to become more scattered and harder to find, serious limitations were imposed to immigrants such as the Foreign Miners Tax. Many of them didn't stand a chance under the new conditions and were forced to leave, while others stayed and impacted California's cultural diversity and political status for good.
Hope this helps!
