American history
TODAY IN HISTORYGOLD RUSH
It was here, in this sleepy valley, that the American Dream was re-defined. An accidental discovery near the obscure American River would forever change a young nation.
The simple life would no longer be enough. In its place would come a new kind of lifestyle:
- entrepreneurial,
- wide-open,
- free.
The new American dream:
- to get rich;
- to make a fortune -- quickly.
Instant wealth was here for the taking. All across America, young men made the decision to go to California.
Every city, every hamlet would send its brightest, its strongest, to California -- and eagerly await their triumphant return home. They came from Europe, Asia, and South America in search of instant riches.
It was one of the greatest adventures the world had ever seen.