Journal #5
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Ethics
This week, we are discussing major historical periods that have impacted California Native
peoples. Based on your previous knowledge of California History and what you are learning
through this week’s readings and lecture, describe one way in which California, and U.S. history
more broadly, impacted California Native peoples? To answer this prompt, choose one historical
event from the readings and lecture, explain the historical period you chose [15 points] and
explain how California Indians were impacted by such events [10 points].
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One way California Native peoples were impacted was during the gold rush. This took
place from 1846 through 1860. The Gold Rush was a huge event that had a significant
influence on American Indians in a variety of ways. Many white people arrived in
previously uninhabited regions during the Gold Rush, which led to a clash with the
indigenous peoples who resided there. California's indigenous villages, according to the
California Indian Heritage and Sovereignty Center, are "among the most destitute in the
United States." As a result, many Native Americans were forced to leave their homes in
search of gold. When more and more individuals arrived in California during the Gold
Rush era, they helped to diversify the United States. When they came home, they carried
a wealth of knowledge and customs from their travels around the globe. This allowed
Americans to learn about one other's histories and foster a feeling of solidarity among the
country's residents.
