Question

James K. Polk, speech that announced the discovery of gold in California, “Fourth Annual Message” (excerpts), December 5, 1848
"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.
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Answer 1

President James K. Polk's "Fourth Annual Message," delivered on December 5, 1848, serves as a significant primary source for understanding the motivations that drove settlers to move across the United States to California in the wake of the gold discovery. The speech highlights several key motivations, particularly economic opportunities and the allure of wealth.

Firstly, Polk explicitly states that "the accounts of the abundance of gold in that territory are of such an extraordinary character" that they would be hard to believe without confirmation from credible sources. This acknowledgment of the overwhelming reports of gold abundance reveals a primary motivation for settlers: the pursuit of wealth. The prospect of finding gold promised not only individual prosperity but also the chance to escape poverty and become part of the burgeoning American economy.

Additionally, Polk notes that there were "about 4,000 persons engaged in collecting gold" at the time of his address, illustrating that people were already flocking to California in search of riches. The mention of this substantial number indicates that the allure of gold was not an isolated phenomenon but rather a collective movement driving many settlers across the country. This increasing migration is reinforced by Polk's assertion that "there is every reason to believe that the number of persons so employed has since been augmented," which highlights a growing trend of migration motivated by the economic prospects of gold mining.

Furthermore, Polk emphasizes the extensive and valuable nature of the gold mines, stating that "the explorations already made warrant the belief that the supply is very large." This assertion serves as an encouragement for potential settlers, bolstering their hope and aspiration to achieve personal and financial success in California.

In conclusion, President Polk's speech illuminates the motivations of settlers moving to California through the promise of economic opportunities and the pursuit of wealth stemming from the discovery of gold. The excitement surrounding the gold rush, as evidenced by the growing number of individuals engaged in mining, showcases the powerful impact of this discovery on American migration patterns in the mid-19th century.