[pacerier]

> didn't used to be

That's false. By definition none would have come if there wasn't opportunity. You don't need to be a geography student to see that it wasn't just irreligious opportunity.

[the_real_cher]

do you think opportunity just magically springs up in places or do you think people make it?

[pacerier]

As stated, the geography of north America provides the opportunity, before there were Americans.

Gold rush and stuff is just a bonus, the big money is in cattle and agriculture.

[AnimalMuppet]

People who are looking for opportunity see a place where they could make it.

[cudgy]

Both