Author Question: What were some of the contributions of African Americans and migrants from Mexico and the Dust Bowl ... (Read 44 times)

Shelles · **on:** Aug 7, 2018

What were some of the contributions of African Americans and migrants from Mexico and the Dust Bowl to the economic and cultural histories of California?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What were some of the factors and events that shaped the rapid population growth and economic development of California from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century?

What will be an ideal response?

Zebsrer · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 7, 2018

Answer to Question 1

They added to the cultural diversity of California, provided an agricultural workforce, and an industrial labor force, helping to promote the economic stability of California.

Answer to Question 2

The student should note that, from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, the gold rush, Chinese and Mexican immigration, and the Transcontinental Railroad bringing Euro-Americans were responsible for most of the growth of California at these times, though much of the nonurban agricultural land remained relatively empty.
In the early 20th century, the increase in agriculture and natural resource production, the completion of many irrigation projects that brought abundant water to the drier areas of the state, and the growth of the defense sector in the years leading up to and past World War II, brought new waves of immigrants to California until the state surpassed New York as the state with the largest population.