Question

According to the passage, California was referred to as the 'back door to America' because a) It was a gateway for immigrants arriving from Asia. b) It served as a hidden passage for illegal trade. c) It was isolated from the rest of the United States. d) It was the last state to join the Union.

Answer 1

California was often referred to as the 'back door to America' because it served as a major gateway for immigrants, particularly those from Asia. This was largely due to the California Gold Rush which attracted settlers from all over the world. The arrival of these diverse groups contributed to the multicultural communities that developed in California.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the passages, California was often referred to as the 'back door to America' because of its role as a gateway for immigrants, particularly those from Asia, which aligns with option a). The state of California played a significant part during the mass exodus induced by the fantasy of instant wealth (Gold Rush), where settlers from various parts of the world including Oregon, Utah, East Coast, Hawaii, Europe, and China rushed to the American River in California. Furthermore, the passage mentions Chinese immigration in large numbers, especially during the California Gold Rush, contributing to the formation of multicultural and diverse communities within the California boomtowns. When California was ready to enter the Union in 1850, its issue of slavery expansion created sectional tensions.

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