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How did the growth of the mining industry and the Gold Rush affect westward migration? How did mining create ""boomtowns"" and eventually lead to statehood for some territories in the west?

User Bofanda
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Who did not want gold? In 1848, thousands of people went through the Oregon Trail and such for the opportunity of becoming rich from mining gold. People needed a place to live, so boomtowns were developed to house this huge and quick increase in population. A population of 60,000 was required for statehood, and California had a population of over 100,000. Eventually, surrounding states' populations would increase to the point of meeting the statehood requirement.

User Hellslam
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