Was the outcome of the gold rush positive or negative, why?

The answer depends on how you see it. It is a subjective question and answers can vary from person to person. Although the Gold Rush made influential positive changes, we can't cover up the damage it had made, especially to the Native Americans and the new settlers. This was no doubt, a rough and violent period for some. During this time, a lot of new settlers were attacked. Reports for anti-foreign and racist attacks were noted. Crime rates were also quite high during this time and it resulted to vigilantism. The Gold Rush may have something positive to offer, but mostly it’s quite negative.