Question
"It was known that mines of the precious metals existed to a considerable extent in California at the time of its acquisition. Recent discoveries render it probable that these mines are more extensive and valuable than was anticipated. The accounts of the abundance of gold in that territory are of such an extraordinary character as would scarcely command belief were they not corroborated by the authentic reports of officers in the public service who have visited the mineral district and derived the facts which they detail from personal observation. Reluctant to credit the reports in general circulation as to the quantity of gold, the officer commanding our forces in California visited the mineral district in July last for the purpose of obtaining accurate information on the subject. His report to the War Department of the result of his examination and the facts obtained on the spot is herewith laid before Congress. When he visited the country there were about 4,000 persons engaged in collecting gold. There is every reason to believe that the number of persons so employed has since been augmented. The explorations already made warrant the belief that the supply is very large and that gold is found at various places in an extensive district of country."
Constructed Response Question
Using President Polk's speech as a primary source, explain and cite evidence to support the motivation of settlers moving across the country to California.
Constructed Response Question
Using President Polk's speech as a primary source, explain and cite evidence to support the motivation of settlers moving across the country to California.
Answers
Answered by
GPT 3.5
The evidence provided in President Polk's speech indicates that one of the primary motivations for settlers moving across the country to California was the discovery of extensive and valuable mines of gold. President Polk mentions that recent discoveries suggest that the mines are more extensive and valuable than previously anticipated, and that reports of the abundance of gold in the territory are corroborated by officers in the public service who have visited the mineral district and obtained information from personal observation.
Furthermore, President Polk highlights that the officer commanding our forces in California visited the mineral district in July and reported that there were already about 4,000 persons engaged in collecting gold. This suggests that the allure of the gold mines in California was drawing people to the territory in search of wealth.
Additionally, the exploration of the mineral district and the belief that gold is found at various places in an extensive district of country further supported the motivation of settlers to move across the country to California in search of economic opportunities and the chance to strike it rich.
Overall, the evidence provided in President Polk's speech demonstrates that the discovery of gold in California was a significant factor motivating settlers to move across the country to the territory in search of wealth and economic opportunities.
Furthermore, President Polk highlights that the officer commanding our forces in California visited the mineral district in July and reported that there were already about 4,000 persons engaged in collecting gold. This suggests that the allure of the gold mines in California was drawing people to the territory in search of wealth.
Additionally, the exploration of the mineral district and the belief that gold is found at various places in an extensive district of country further supported the motivation of settlers to move across the country to California in search of economic opportunities and the chance to strike it rich.
Overall, the evidence provided in President Polk's speech demonstrates that the discovery of gold in California was a significant factor motivating settlers to move across the country to the territory in search of wealth and economic opportunities.