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What were the advantages and the disadvantage of the mining boom

User Ian Burnette
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2 Answers

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13 votes

Final answer:

The mining boom had advantages in terms of urban development and high wages, but it also had disadvantages such as dangerous working conditions and limited worker rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mining boom of the 1860s and 1870s had both advantages and disadvantages. One major advantage was the development of urban stability and infrastructure in cities like Denver, Colorado, which became permanent settlements as businesses sought a stable environment for their mining ventures. Additionally, mining communities sometimes overcame language barriers and prejudice to collectively bargain for high wages.

However, for miners who did not strike it rich, working conditions were often dangerous and life-threatening. They faced extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, shaft fires, explosions, and cave-ins, resulting in injuries and deaths. Miners organized into unions and led strikes for better conditions, but these efforts were usually crushed by state militias.

User DuckPuppy
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17 votes

Answer:

Mining Pros - Processes around mining are quite efficient

Mining is a mature technology

Mining is crucial for technological progress

Higher tax income for governments

Mining Cons - Habitat destruction

Biodiversity loss

Endangerment of species

Mining can lead to ecological imbalance

User Craig Curtis
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