6.3 Natural resource discovery and exploitation

Natural resources fueled America's westward expansion, sparking economic booms and population shifts. Gold rushes, silver discoveries, and oil finds transformed regions, while timber and coal extraction powered industrialization. These resources reshaped the nation's economy and landscape.

Resource exploitation drove infrastructure development, job creation, and wealth concentration. It also spurred technological advancements in mining, logging, and transportation. However, this growth came with environmental and social consequences, leading to policy changes and long-term economic challenges.

Natural Resource Discovery and Exploitation

Natural resources of westward expansion

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Top images from around the web for Natural resources of westward expansion

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  Manifest Destiny and the Gold Rush | US History I (AY Collection) View original

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  Gold rush - Wikipedia View original

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• Gold fueled California Gold Rush (1848-1855) sparked massive migration and economic boom, Klondike Gold Rush (1896-1899) in Alaska and Canada drew thousands of prospectors
• Silver discovered in Comstock Lode Nevada (1859) led to significant wealth creation, mining expanded to Colorado and Idaho regions
• Timber harvesting in Pacific Northwest forests and Great Lakes region supported construction and industrialization
• Oil boom began with Pennsylvania discoveries (1859) revolutionized energy industry, Texas oil finds (Spindletop, 1901) transformed state's economy
• Coal extraction in Appalachian coal fields and Illinois Basin powered industrial revolution
• Copper mining in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Arizona deposits vital for electrical infrastructure

Economic impact of resource extraction

• Population growth spurred boom towns creation altered migration patterns across regions
• Infrastructure development expanded railways networks connected remote areas to markets
• Job creation in mining and logging industries stimulated growth of supporting services and businesses
• Wealth concentration led to rise of industrial magnates increased income inequality
• Economic diversification encouraged development of manufacturing sectors and growth of service industries
• Land value changes drove speculation and property booms in resource-rich areas
• Government revenue increased through taxes from resource extraction land sales and leases

Technology in resource discovery

• Mining technologies advanced with hydraulic mining dredging and improved underground techniques
• Timber harvesting efficiency increased through steam-powered sawmills and logging railroads
• Oil extraction revolutionized by new drilling techniques and refining processes
• Transportation advancements like transcontinental railroad and steam-powered riverboats facilitated resource movement
• Surveying and prospecting tools improved with better maps geological surveys and geophysical exploration methods
• Communication technologies such as telegraph and improved postal services accelerated information exchange
• Mechanization through steam-powered machinery and internal combustion engines boosted productivity

Consequences of resource exploitation

• Environmental impacts included widespread deforestation soil erosion water pollution and habitat destruction
• Social consequences involved displacement of Native American populations labor conflicts and public health issues in mining communities
• Long-term economic effects led to resource depletion economic boom-bust cycles shift towards conservation and sustainability
• Policy developments resulted in creation of national parks and forests environmental regulations worker safety laws
• Cultural changes reinforced frontier mentality and individualism accelerated urbanization and industrialization
• Legacy industries faced challenges transitioning from extractive to service-based economies diversifying in resource-dependent regions
• Global economic positioning elevated United States as industrial power influenced international trade and diplomacy