The American Dream in the "Land of Gold"
In many ways, the gold rush was a manifestation of the American idea, as it represented the belief that success and riches were available to any man in America so long as he worked hard.
-Peter C. Mancall, who referred to California as "The Land of Gold," said of the Gold Rush, “...many Americans felt that the gold strike represented an equality of opportunity, and optimistic idea that had long been the hallmark of their culture.”
-In the early years, "miners" did not have to mine for gold so much as pan for it
-Panning was typically a rather uncomplicated procedure that required dedication more than skill
-In this, the gold fields provided an equal opportunity to everyone who set out for them
-Peter C. Mancall, who referred to California as "The Land of Gold," said of the Gold Rush, “...many Americans felt that the gold strike represented an equality of opportunity, and optimistic idea that had long been the hallmark of their culture.”
-In the early years, "miners" did not have to mine for gold so much as pan for it
-Panning was typically a rather uncomplicated procedure that required dedication more than skill
-In this, the gold fields provided an equal opportunity to everyone who set out for them
"The Miner's Song" by John Swett
“Broad Placers, rich in hidden gold,
Lie temptingly before us,
We need no Midas’ Magic Wand,
Nor wizard rod divining;
The pickaxe, spade and brawny hand
Are sorcerers in mining.”
This song, often sung by miners as they worked, depicted the idea that mining presented the opportunity to become very rich and successful by hard work alone. There was no "magic wand" that could grant them success; it could only be achieved by sheer hard work. This was the idyllic "American Dream," and it drew people in from everywhere.
Thousands of people, mainly young men, poured in from the American East, South America, Asia, Europe, and elsewhere.
“Broad Placers, rich in hidden gold,
Lie temptingly before us,
We need no Midas’ Magic Wand,
Nor wizard rod divining;
The pickaxe, spade and brawny hand
Are sorcerers in mining.”
This song, often sung by miners as they worked, depicted the idea that mining presented the opportunity to become very rich and successful by hard work alone. There was no "magic wand" that could grant them success; it could only be achieved by sheer hard work. This was the idyllic "American Dream," and it drew people in from everywhere.
Thousands of people, mainly young men, poured in from the American East, South America, Asia, Europe, and elsewhere.