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Arrival to the United States: Gold Rush
Throughout the mid nineteenth century, about 1848-1855, Chinese immigrants arrived to the United States; during the California Gold Rush, they sought better economic opportunities, work, and stability. They helped the development of the West, especially with manual labor, like mining and agricultural work. The individuals were impacted because they faced harsh treatment/racism. Other key individuals who immigrated: Japanese and Filipino people.
www.history.com/articles/asian-american-timeline -
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882
In 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act was a federal law that banned Chinese people from entering the U.S. This is noteworthy because it was an immigration law based on ethnicity/race. They were considered permanent aliens. This impacted Chinese individuals as it limited their opportunities and excluded them from the American environment. President Chester Arthur and Congress were involved.
www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/immigration/chinese/exclusion/
www.britannica.com/topic/Chinese-Exclusion-Act -
Rock Springs Massacre
On Sept. 2, 1885, White coal miners attacked/murdered Chinese immigrant workers in Rock Springs, Wyoming after a couple fights between them. The Chinese-American communities were deeply impacted, creating fear among them. This highlights the tension with work/race, showing that Whites blamed the Chinese for lack of jobs. The Chinese faced discrimination racism. Government officials, the public, and company owners were involved.
www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/rock-springs-massacre/ -
Opening of Angel Island
January 21, 1910, an immigration station/port of entry for Asian immigrants opened in San Francisco Bay, California. The following years consisted of the Japanese and Chinese coming into the U.S. It played a large role w/ immigration; although conditions were often harsh, people checked eligibility for entrance. This is important because many Asians had traumatic experiences, showing the barriers racism involved, like certain policies being based on race/nationality.
www.aiisf.org/history -
Japanese-American Internment
After Pearl Harbor, over 100k Japanese Americans were relocated/imprisoned. On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed to create harsh and poor internment camps for "threats". With the horrible/ unfair treatment, it is important to note the racial profiling discrimination faced because of their ethnicity. Many were traumatized/killed. Japanese Americans, the President, other citizens were key factors. www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/japanese-american-internment -
Delano Grape Strike
In 1965, Filipino farm workers faced pay cut threats and poor working conditions. The Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee began the Delano Grape Strike, soon after followed/joined by key-player Cesar Chavez. Their advocacy showed that working together created change, since they formed United Farm Workers. The discrimination they faced was challenged, and in the end the farm workers received positive change. -
Immigration and Nationality Act
In 1965, the act removed the national origins quota system, establishing a U.S. immigration policy. The new system allowed for relatives/children of U.S. citizens to be prioritized and also set a numerical limit on immigration. The significance: the demographic composition of the country was impacted. There was more immigration from different places. Senators, representatives, citizens, and immigrants were key players.
www.lbjlibrary.org/news-and-press/media-kits/immigration-and-nationality-act -
Vincent Chan Murder
In 1982, a Chinese-American man named Vincent Chan was killed by White men who blamed their ethnicity group for lack of jobs (auto). The responsible beaters received no punishment/jail time. The significance of this shows that their group of people was still viewed as a threat and unequal to others. Asians were still facing racism and blamed for many things. Two groups of people were involved; White people and Asian people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Vincent_Chin -
Garment Workers Strike
On June 24, 1982, thousands of garment workers united to rally in New York about their low pay and horrible working conditions. This event is noteworthy because of the Asian females fighting for a solid and fair role in society. Eventually, employers accepted the union's contract demands. Katie Quan helped secure higher wages for these Asian-Americans.
www.history.com/this-day-in-history/june-24/1982-garment-workers-strike-begins -
Anti-Asian Hate Crimes: COVID-19
During the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, there was an increase in verbal/physical attacks towards Asian-Americans. This was fueled by racist, and stereotypical thoughts. Many people blamed Asians for the pandemic; it's unfair to judge the group as a whole. Significance: certain races/ethnicities still face discrimination stereotypical accusations. No specific key players.
www.pewresearch.org/race-and-ethnicity/2023/11/30/asian-americans-and-discrimination-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/