How might the country have developed differently if no gold or other precious minerals had been discovered in the west?

If no gold or other precious minerals had been discovered in the west, the country might have experienced a slower pace of settlement and economic development, as the rush for these resources significantly fueled migration and investment. Without the allure of wealth from mining, fewer people might have ventured westward, leading to a more gradual expansion and potentially less conflict with Indigenous populations. Additionally, the absence of a mineral boom could have shifted the focus towards agriculture and different industries, altering the economic landscape and infrastructure development in the region. Overall, the cultural and demographic makeup of the west would likely have been less diverse and dynamic without the influx of fortune-seekers.