In this bonus episode, we unravel the age-old question of who decided gold was worth something in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about its shiny allure; there’s a whole lot of history and economics at play.

We also reflect on the risks and rewards of that era, pondering what we might have done if we were chasing gold back in 1848. From the fleeting nature of mining towns to the bizarre modern-day gold rushes, we discuss how the legacy of the Gold Rush still resonates in today's society, shaping our perceptions of wealth and value.

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Special guest for this episode:

• Stephen Tuffnell, a historian of the global and imperial history of the 19th century United States from the University of Oxford, whose research interests include American emigration and the history of commodities such as gold and ice. He’s also the co-editor of A Global History of Gold Rushes.

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Highlights from this episode:

• The California Gold Rush was a massive event that transformed the American economy and society in profound ways.
• Gold's value has evolved over centuries, heavily influenced by cultural perceptions and historical events like the Gold Standard.
• Investors often turn to gold during economic uncertainty, emphasizing its perceived stability and enduring allure.
• The Gold Rush led to a boom in ghost towns across California, remnants of the fleeting mining frenzy during the late 19th century.
• The discussion highlights how the legacy of the Gold Rush continues to shape modern American culture and economic practices.
• The podcast reveals the risks and realities of the Gold Rush, particularly for those who supplied miners rather than mined for gold themselves.

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Additional Resources:

A Global History of Gold Rushes (Volume 25) by Benjamin Mountford and Stephen Tuffnell

https://dayhist.com/events/california-gold-rush-1848  

https://www.mininghalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/james-wilson-marshall 

https://americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/striking-it-rich-american-gold-rushes-early-19th-century 

An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe, 1846-1873 by Benjamin Madley

Calisphere: The deeper you look, the more you discover.

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

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This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map

What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219