What was a major reason for the westward migration of people during the Gold Rush in the 1800s?

The westward migration during the Gold Rush in the 1800s was primarily driven by the search for economic opportunity. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 attracted thousands of prospectors and settlers eager to strike it rich. The promise of wealth and the potential for improved livelihoods motivated individuals and families to leave their homes in search of fortune.

While other factors such as political, agricultural, and religious motivations were present in various migration patterns throughout American history, they were not the primary drivers during this specific period. The Gold Rush created a unique economic landscape that transformed the West into an area of intense migration, with the idea that fortune could be found by anyone willing to take the risk. This economic opportunity was further fueled by the expansion of railroads and other infrastructure, which made travel easier and facilitated the movement of people and goods to the newly discovered goldfields.