Effect Of Gold Rush On Women
Saturday, 28. November 2009
During the California gold rush, which started in’47, there were only two percent of females amongst the immigrants, as the beginning of the gold rush was an adventure only enjoyed by the male immigrant population. This population graph rose up by’57 with women making almost half of the number, as more and more people were lured to the glitter of the gold.
In that era, women were thought to be either very morally good or characterless people. Barely any women would be single in those days, since the population of men was more than the population of women. Even if a widow would not remain single for much time and soon she would get many proposals to choose from.
Due to the scarcity of females, they were much appreciated and were in great demand. If women were on board steamboats, it was publicised, and advertised to bring in more customers. Single ladies were discussed much by the men in the families, and great plans would be made about their debutante.
Men would search for the appropriate match for themselves after great planning, and thorough searching. Women were barely seen working in minefields with men, but when they worked with men, they were treated really well, and with good manners.
Slowly and gradually, women started sailing towards San Francisco, from Europe in search of jobs. A beauty salon would hire either them, or a gambling house where they were responsible for sitting with gamblers, and give them drinks. Good salaries were given to them along with protection from employers who most of the times would also become their husbands. This influenced more females to travel to California, and start a life there.
The gold rush fever did not exclude females, and many were a part of the mining field living alone without the support of any males. They were mostly hired for the cleaning, cooking, and maintenance jobs for the miners, and they travelled with them too. The miners in return would help the females in carrying their luggage.
Since men were given higher salaries at mining fields than females, many of these women usually hid their identity, and acted as men to get a good job, even though they were never harassed, or abused. Females were usually given low-level jobs, and men were given tougher ones, although many females wanted to work like a man. As, they were respected, and pampered in those days, they were not given any tough tasks.
Many females also initiated lodging and boarding places in several mining areas, to provide cosy accommodation, and food services for the miners. Even this would be tough, since it led to cold hands, and feet.
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