From 1848 to today, California has had strong periods in which it represented the American dream with its egalitarian progress and times of predominantly democratic positions. Additionally, California was once a place of economic opportunity, attracting people from across the nation. Since 1990, however, California has seen reverse migration. Once a land of hope and opportunity, California has slowly transformed into a land of despair. California began its statehood unlike any other state before or after its succession. California joined the nation as a free state in 1950, during the Gold Rush era. From the gold rush comes the term "California Dream" which is the "psychological motivation to quickly gain wealth or fame in a new land" (Manhattan-Institute.org). From the days of the Gold Rush until recent years, California has been associated with the rapid attainment of wealth and fame. This encouraged people from all over the world to come to California in hopes of striking it rich, just as they continued to do until the 1990s. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 greatly accelerated some changes that had been underway for decades. For example, California was already full of different races and cultures, but when the gold rush broke out, California became an international frontier where people from every continent came together. “California also sets an important precedent for civil societies with diverse populations” (page 121). In 1850, California was invaded by over 300,000 people looking for gold. The fact that California has always attracted so many different people has created a land rich in languages, cultures and social customs. “The arrival and departure of thousands… middle of paper… and many residents are even moving to other states in hopes of acquiring their American dream. Works Cited Alexander, Dan. “Ranking: The States Where You Have the Best and Worst Chances of Achieving the American Dream.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, March 29, 2014. Web. March 29, 2014. Gray, Tom, and Robert Scardamalia. “Civic Report 71 The Great Exodus from California: A Closer Look.” Civic Report 71 The Great Exodus from California: A Closer Look. Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, Inc., September 2012. Web. March 29, 2014. Johnson, Daniel J., Ph.D. “Seminar 11, Dreaming of California?” Network. March 29, 2014.Paddison, Giosuè. "1848-1865: Gold Rush, Statehood, and the Western Movement." Calisphere. The Regents of the University of California, n.d. Web. March 28, 2014.Rawls, James J., and Walton Bean. California: An Interpretive History. 10th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1968. Print.