Final answer:
The California Gold Rush began in 1848 and led to significant westward migration and population growth in California, impacting demographics and contributing to the rise and fall of boomtowns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The California Gold Rush began in 1848 when James Marshall found gold at Sutter's Mill. This event, along with subsequent discoveries, such as the Comstock Lode, spurred a massive westward migration. People traveled from all over the world, including places as far as China and Europe, seeking fortune and adventure.
This rush resulted in the rapid population growth of California, leading the state to consider statehood much sooner than politicians at the time expected. The influx of miners and others seeking wealth also led to the creation of boomtowns that often fell into decline once resources were exhausted, leaving behind ghost towns.
The impact of the Gold Rush was enormous, altering the demographics of the West and contributing to the decline and suffering of Native American populations. It represented a significant part of Western expansion in the United States, changing the nation's socio-economic landscape. The allure of quick riches was a powerful motivator for many, though for most, the reality did not match the dream of easy wealth.