Chinese Experience in Late 19th-Century America. History Coursework

The Chinese Experience in Late 19th-Century America
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The experience of the Chinese immigrants in America was contributed mainly by the American imperialism that was prevalent during the late nineteenth century. American imperialism refers to the cultural, military and economic influence that the United States had on other nations. Having considered themselves as being responsible for enlightening the savage nations by educating them on concepts such as democracy, Christianity, and industrialization, America was quickly drawn towards imperialism. The issue of equal rights and discrimination was prevalent during the 19th century, with black slaves pushing for equal rights and the end of racism. The Chinese immigration into a country that discriminated minority races was a wrong move, but one that brought significant changes in the history of American Civil rights.
Core Question: Knowing that Chinese immigration was significant, how then did they contribute to the civil rights movement?
Document 1: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. “The Coming of the Chinese.” 2006
The immigration of Chinese residents to America began as early as 1838, but a majority of the immigrants moved to America in 1850. The immigrants left their homeland to look for greener pastures in the United States. Being a land of greater opportunities, America presented the Chinese with a better chance of making more money and returning home as wealthy individuals. Nonetheless, Americans had a different perception of the Chinese people. Their view of the Chinese people was expressed by the stereotypical images that were portrayed in the media from time to time. Much like other immigrants, the Chinese maintained their culture and practices despite being in a foreign nation. However, the Americans continued to discriminate the Chinese by concluding that their culture was too primitive to blend with theirs.
Question: Based on document 1, do you think discrimination resulted from cultural differences? Alternatively, was it that the Americans felt their superiority was under threat?
Document 2: Deborah Samuel Chinese Immigration, Exclusion and the Chinese American Experience. 2019.
The suffering and discrimination faced by the Chinese during the late nineteenth century was not always the case. The Chinese have been part of the positive, memorable event that took place in American history, including the celebration of California’s transition to a state in 1850. During the celebrations, one judge even spoke out and stated that the Chinese together with other foreigners are appreciated and have positively contributed to the state’s transition. However, white Americans were more obsessed with their riches, and the Chinese proved to be very hardworking. As a result, the Americans turned the tables on the Chinese through the Miner’s Tax of 1852. The Chinese immigrants were hardworking, and their level of skills enabled them to come up with solutions and carry out tasks that proved difficult for the Americans. The level of intelligence and hard work threatened the superiority of Americans who began attacking Chinese residents. The American...