Global History of Gold Rushes

The search for gold accelerated worldwide circulations of people, goods, capital, and technologies, leading to the growth of capitalism and the transformation of migration patterns.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2018
Publisher: University of California Press

Gold, a precious yellow metal, has had a profound impact on the world, igniting global circulations of people, goods, capital, and technologies. The discovery of California placer gold in 1848 and the subsequent rush to Alaska fifty years later marked a significant era in the search for gold. A Global History of Gold Rushes, a collaborative effort by historians from the United States, Africa, Australasia, and the Pacific World, delves into the rich story of these nineteenth-century gold rushes from a global perspective.

Gold played a central role in the growth of capitalism, fueling the ambitions of empire builders, facilitating the integration of global markets and economies, and exerting a profound influence on the environment. It also reshaped large-scale migration patterns, as people sought opportunities to strike it rich in gold-rich regions.

The essays included in this collection explore the various aspects of these gold rushes, shedding light on the social, economic, and cultural transformations they engendered. From the initial discoveries and prospecting efforts to the establishment of mining communities and the impact on local cultures, the gold rushes were a catalyst for change on a global scale.

The global circulations of people, goods, and capital during these gold rushes were unprecedented. Thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including miners, prospectors, merchants, and laborers, traveled across vast distances to participate in the search for gold. This migration not only brought economic benefits but also fostered cultural exchange and understanding.

The gold rushes also had a significant impact on the environment. The intensive mining and extraction activities led to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, which had long-term consequences for the ecosystems and communities affected.

In conclusion, gold has played a pivotal role in shaping the world's history, from the discovery of California placer gold to the rush to Alaska. The gold rushes not only brought economic prosperity but also facilitated global circulations of people, goods, capital, and technologies. They had a profound impact on the environment, shaping the development of mining communities and influencing large-scale migration patterns. A Global History of Gold Rushes provides a valuable insight into this significant period of global history, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations and the enduring legacy of gold.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 150 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520294554