How did golden rush contribute to to the creation of the west?

The discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in early 1848 sparked the Gold Rush. As news spread of the discovery, thousands of prospective gold miners traveled by sea or over land to San Francisco and the surrounding area; by the end of 1849.  Now, Population of California has increased to 1,00,000 as compared to 1,000 in last year.

As the huge population settled there (Miners in majority), a new area of The United States created. California was now established, and named as the Western part. In that way, It created the West.

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