Final answer:
Legal protections for minorities did not contribute to nativism and racism in gold rush California; rather, they were intended to protect ethnic groups' rights.The correct answer is option C
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following elements contributed to nativism and racism in gold rush California EXCEPT: C. Legal protections for minorities. Economic competition (A), cultural differences (B), and fear of social upheaval (D) all heightened tensions and contributed to racist and nativist sentiments.
However, legal protections for minorities, instead of contributing to these anxieties, were meant to safeguard the rights of various ethnic groups, though in practice they were often insufficient.The correct answer is option C