Today we are going to
learn more facts about the Pilgrims and the Puritans. We are going to do some
tasks to improve your knowledge.
T.: Let’s talk a bit.
What do you know about Alaska? What did you hear about
Gold Rush?
1. Reading
Pre-reading task
T.: Now, look at the picture (card#1) and guess what
this is text about.
Reading
T.: Now we are going to read and translate the text
''Gold Rush''
Gold Rush
Gold rushes
are periods in time when the discovery of gold has led to the migrations of
large numbers of people to a certain location. The onus for this
"rush" is the desire for wealth and independence. Often, people
travel from all parts of the world to participate in the quest for gold and
riches. While some were successful in their endeavor, many were left broke and
disappointed. Although most associate gold and the gold rush with California,
America has had several gold rushes in its history. In fact, some took place
before gold was ever discovered in California. American gold rushes were
important in that they often led the expansion into new territories and
heralded the growth of the nation.
In the year
1799, North Carolina became the location of the first American gold rush. That
year a twelve-year-old boy named Conrad Reed discovered a seventeen pound gold
nugget while fishing in Cabarrus County. The gold was not recognized for its
worth until 1802 when it was taken to the jewelers in exchange for money; word
of the discovery spread, leading to the gold rush. The next major gold rush in
America occurred in Georgia. There are several accounts of who actually found
the gold that started the Georgia gold rush. One account involves a man named
Benjamin Parks, who in October of 1828 caught sight of gold while walking and
kicking rocks in the woods in Dahlonega. News of this and other discoveries
encouraged and enticed thousands of miners to come to the area. The historical
significance of the Georgia gold rush isn't the gold, however. The significance
lies in the fact that the eventual removal of the Cherokee was due in part to
the presence of gold.
The
California Gold Rush, which took place from 1848 to 1855, is the most
recognized gold rush in America's history. The discovery that started this rush
was near the American River by a man named James Marshall. Marshall worked for
John Sutter, the owner of Sutter's Fort, and it was while he was working that
he discovered gold. Sutter attempted to keep this a secret, however his
attempts were unsuccessful and soon news spread. By 1849 people from all over
the world flocked to California, with many leaving their jobs and old lives
behind in search of wealth. Although the California Gold Rush did not end in
prosperity for all, it did play a key part in the westward expansion of the
United States. It also bought California into the union. Unfortunately, it also
had a negative impact on the environment as mining leached chemicals into the
water and certain animal species were killed. The Native Americans also
suffered tremendously due to mass murders, racial hatred, loss of lands,
starvation, and disease.
Gold rush
fever also extended to Canada and Alaska in what is referred to as the Alaska
Gold Rush, the Klondike Gold Rush or the Yukon Gold Rush. This was one of the
last great gold rushes in America and attracted approximately 100,000 people
between 1896 and 1899. The discovery that started the gold rush came in August
of 1896 when an American prospector by the name of George Carmack and his
brother-in-law Skookum Jim discovered gold on Bonanza Creek. Bonanza Creek is
one of the Yukon Rivers tributaries and at the time was known as Rabbit Creek.
Upon the registration of the claims, news began to spread amongst Canadians and
new sources of gold were soon discovered by other prospectors. Eventually mined
gold began to leave the area and caught the attention of the outside world. The
journey to the Klondike was a treacherous one. Thousands traveled by steamer to
Skagway, Alaska in order to begin their hike into Yukon territory toward Dawson
City via the Chilkoot Pass. Unfortunately many died from the cold, disease and
starvation. From 1898 to 1899 gold was discovered in Nome, Alaska which
encouraged prospectors to search Alaska for more gold. The Alaska Gold Rush
encouraged some to explore Alaska which at the time was still a fairly new
settlement for the U.S.
The American
gold rush is both a fascinating and important part of history. It was a time of
great adventure for many who sought out riches in often unfamiliar lands.
Although it was exciting and adventurous, it was also deadly for prospectors
and the people who were native to areas where gold had been found. The gold
rushes in American history forever changed the country.
While - reading task
a) Skimming.
Т: What do you want to know about the Gold Rush?
Write 5 questions and then look through the text and try
to find out the answers for your questions.
b) Scanning.
Т: Read the text again and write down the Key-facts about
the events in Alaska.
Post-reading task
2. Speaking
T.: Please, answer the questions:
When was Alaska's gold rush founded?
What was Alaska's population before the gold rush?
Was Alaska's
economy affected by the gold rush?
What is a
similarity of the Alaska's gold rush and the California gold rush? Read
answer...
What is the
difference between Alaska's gold rush and the California gold rush? Read
answer...
What was
Alaska's climate in 1897 during the Klondike gold rush?
The lesson is
over. Good-bye!
Card#1
Describe a
picture:
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