What negative impact did gold and silver mining have in the West?
• Tent cities near the mines fostered criminals as long-term residents.
• Ghost towns were left behind after the mines stopped producing.
• Mining camps were sources of many contagious diseases.
• Mass migration from the East Coast led to social tension among merchants.
• Large-scale mining operations caused environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
• Native Americans were forced off their land and often lost their traditional way of life as mining operations expanded.
• The use of toxic chemicals, such as cyanide, in the mining process posed health hazards for workers and nearby communities.
• Labor disputes between mine owners and workers frequently turned violent, resulting in injuries and deaths.
• The boom and bust cycle of mining industries led to economic instability and financial loss for many individuals and communities.