What event led to a rapid population increase in california in the late 1840s? a)the territory became a state. b)the territory adopted slavery. c)gold was discovered. d)the californians revolted.

The event led to a rapid population increase in California in the late 1840s is the discovery of Gold in California. Due to the discovery of Gold a lot of people like miners and traders settle in California and thus starting the Gold Rush in late 1840s. Also due to the Gold Rush in California a large number of foreigners and people around the globe flocked in California for gold.

Gold was discovered in 1848.