Water in desert areas also caused huge climate problems in the area. Animals fled from their homes because of the loss of water and change in habitat. The entire river and stream courses were destroyed. Water from the rivers was used in giant jet streams that blasted the side of the Sierra Mountains in desert areas. California might have been better off if gold had never been discovered; given its other natural advantages, it might have become popular and prosperous, but such prosperity would have been more gradual, orderly, and civilized. This resulted in the destruction of Native Americans. as these animals were a major food source. The need to transport settled region led to the creation of basic physical and organizational structures and facilities, particularly transportation routes, which was previously unknown in California. The Gold Rush also brought immigrants from China.
Like any major event in history, the California Gold Rush had both positive and negative effects. One moment the California creek beds glimmered with gold. The next moment, the same creeks ran red with the blood of men and women defending their bags of gold from bandits. California saw many changes very fast. Most of the changes play a part in shaping it into what it is today. From Hollywood to San Francisco, today’s lifestyle in California have roots in the Gold