Final answer:
Boomtown merchants were able to sell their products for high prices during the California Gold Rush due to supply and demand dynamics, lack of competition, and the additional expenses they incurred in transporting goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the California Gold Rush, boomtown merchants were able to sell their products for high prices due to the supply and demand dynamics of the time. The sudden influx of people to California created a surge in demand for goods and services, while the supply was limited. As a result, merchants could charge higher prices and make significant profits.
Additionally, the isolated nature of the boomtowns allowed merchants to control the market and monopolize certain products. The lack of competition gave them the power to set their own prices, further increasing their profit margins.
Lastly, the cost of transportation and logistics in the remote and undeveloped areas where the gold rush took place was high. Merchants needed to invest in infrastructure and incur additional costs to bring goods to the boomtowns. These additional expenses also contributed to the higher prices of their products.
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