Answer: C. The discovery of gold in California was a major factor that led settlers to migrate to territories in the American West during the 1800s. This event, known as the California Gold Rush, began in 1848 and lasted until the mid-1850s, attracting thousands of people from all over the United States and the world in search of wealth and opportunity. While other factors such as the availability of land, access to new markets, and the prospect of a better life also played a role, the discovery of gold was a primary driver of westward migration during this period.
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