how did the roles of women change as a result of the gold rush?
Womens occupations during the Gold Rush expanded as the word of gold got out. As the men went off to strike it rich, the women were left with a long distance relationship, all the work, and to keep up the household. On the other hand, some women started to move westward with their families not only for gold, but for new job opportunities. Women mining in California was a rare sight to see, but If they did go and reach California, business owners hired them for jobs such as saloon workers, gambling hall workers, and dance hall workers, which were the jobs available to women during this time period. It is because of the Gold Rush that women are able to do such tasks.
As the Gold Rush went on many more opportunities for women came up. Laundromats, restaurants, mending tables, and lodging all opened up job opportunities for women. These jobs were primary, efficient, and paid good wage too. Some stories say that women made more money selling the food or pastries that they made than men did mining.
Later, in the 1850’s, more women started moving westward to California. Their arrival had a civilizing affect on many men. Several women brought things they knew they would need later in time, such as items the men didn't think of bringing. Eventually a civilized state was born. “It was husbands who thought of what could be gained; wives thought of what would be lost,” was said by a pioneer women, meaning that the husbands left without knowing that everyone wasn't going to get rich, as the wives thought of starting a civilized state in case of failure
The women at this time were not only important, but essential to California during the Gold Rush. They were also an integral part in the formation of schools and churches which supported the rapid population growth. The California Gold Rush changed the roles of women because it encouraged most women to become business oriented, accomplish ways to make money by themselves, and experience success in the business world.
Callie B.
As the Gold Rush went on many more opportunities for women came up. Laundromats, restaurants, mending tables, and lodging all opened up job opportunities for women. These jobs were primary, efficient, and paid good wage too. Some stories say that women made more money selling the food or pastries that they made than men did mining.
Later, in the 1850’s, more women started moving westward to California. Their arrival had a civilizing affect on many men. Several women brought things they knew they would need later in time, such as items the men didn't think of bringing. Eventually a civilized state was born. “It was husbands who thought of what could be gained; wives thought of what would be lost,” was said by a pioneer women, meaning that the husbands left without knowing that everyone wasn't going to get rich, as the wives thought of starting a civilized state in case of failure
The women at this time were not only important, but essential to California during the Gold Rush. They were also an integral part in the formation of schools and churches which supported the rapid population growth. The California Gold Rush changed the roles of women because it encouraged most women to become business oriented, accomplish ways to make money by themselves, and experience success in the business world.
Callie B.