Why was statehood impossible in California until gold was discovered?

With the Gold Rush came a huge increase in population and a pressing need for civil government. In 1849, Californians sought statehood and, after heated debate in the U.S. Congress arising out of the slavery issue, California entered the Union as a free, nonslavery state by the Compromise of 1850.

Because the Gold Rush brought increase in population and a pressing need for civil government.

Explanation:

In 1849, California wanted Statehood but was impossible intil they found Gold. The gold brought an increase in population which meant they needed a government. So California entered the Union as a free, nonslavery state in 1850.

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