By: Piano Kaewchaiyo (8th grade)

Asia is one of the most populated continents on the planet, making Asian Americans widely recognized for their contributions to American culture. Yet, sometimes, Chinese Americans are kept in the shadows -- never appearing as the spotlight. Asian Pacific Islander Month, an upcoming celebration of Asian American historical contributions, continues to enlighten the world with knowledge about the importance of Asian American influence. One of the most vital immigrant groups in American history is the Chinese. Thus, let’s dive into the history of Chinese immigration in America and how this revelation of an event changed the course of America forever!

Diving into the history of Chinese immigration, Chinese citizens had abundant reasons for immigrating. Within the early 1800s, earning a living was especially hard when a series of floods, famines, droughts, civil disturbances and ongoing wars affected China. China faced destruction and poverty after being defeated in the Opium War in the 1840s by the British. Even worse matters occurred as Southeastern China underwent further poverty due to the Taiping Rebellion -- a heartbreaking Chinese civil war from 1850 to 1864 against the Qin Dynasty led by Hong Xiuquan. By then, 55 Chinese men immigrated to the United States at the start of 1849; Since then, numbers in the Chinese immigrant population have soared high above the charts. Chinese immigrants were informed of the massive gold discovery in California, known as the California Gold Rush of 1849. Knowing that the United States would provide more stable economic and social opportunities, Chinese people took the risk and immigrated across the Pacific Ocean by steamships. The long journey was rocky and treacherous; Most poor Chinese immigrants voyaged in the steerage, which was the cheapest section of a passenger ship. Because of this, it is evident that Chinese immigrants were tough and resilient even in harsh conditions.

After Chinese immigrants fled to the United States in the 1850s seeking jobs in gold mines, factories (especially in garment departments) and agricultural work, they were received in mainly areas on the West Coast because of the gold mines in California. Gold mines in California which Chinese immigrants sought were named gam saan, or gold mountain in Chinese. It was mandatory for the immigrants that came to the U.S. to be processed across various ports. One of the most popular immigration stations for Chinese laborers was Angel Island, a quarantine station for immigrants arriving in San Francisco. Fun Fact: Angel Island would later process over a million immigrants! As the number of Chinese immigrants exponentially increased throughout the nation, they became a threat to the American labor force. Chinese immigrants also demanded higher wages to support their families back in China. Because of this, American laborers resented Chinese communities and advocated for anti-Chinese legislative laws. Ultimately, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 which was not repealed until 1943. The Chinese Exclusion Act which would restrict the amount of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. This is significant, considering that this was the first ever account of an immigrant law in American History targeted towards a specific ethnic group.

If you ever found your life difficult, imagine a Chinese immigrant’s life in the 1800s. Cultivating the United States through agricultural, industrial, construction, mining and contributions, Chinese immigrants were essentially “sacrifices” in the United States. Many Chinese immigrants worked in the Columbia Mining districts and helped construct the Transcontinental Railroad and the Big Gap Flum. Each day, work was suffocating and backbreaking, considering the harsh, dangerous conditions. Working twelve hours a day, six days a week, was the norm for Chinese laborers. A scarce amount of immigrants were able to become independent farmers, and many suffered through cold winters, sleeping in frail tents. Chinatowns were established throughout the nation, yet when the exclusion acts became prevalent, Chinese merchants fought back through anti-American boycotting in 1905. In attempts to maintain American prestige, President Theodore Roosevelt took action by telling the Chinese government to suppress revolt. Though the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) was enacted, American Congressmen and presidents addressed Chinese discrimination by attempting to balance discriminative Chinese policies, while sustaining good relations with China. Even so, Chinese exclusion remained prominent when Congress later passed the Scott Act, banning reentry into the United States after a visit to China; Exclusion acts were renewed from time and time again. Today, Chinese and American relations are still complex due to the history behind Chinese immigration. 

Chinese workers constructing the Transcontinental Railroad. (source: Stanford University)

Chinese immigrants have made a large impact in the United States today with influential contributions from cuisine, industry, construction to agriculture, art, medicine, and so much more. Without the abundance of Chinese laborers who played a role in constructing the Transcontinental Railroad, not only would it affect the time taken to build it, but the lives of Americans would suffer, leaving no improvement for future generations. Technology like the Transcontinental Railroad impacted the lives of many citizens, boosting the economy for a new, modernized era -- overall contributing to the growth of the nation’s food supply, diffusion of ideas and technological advancements. Take a look around your town; Do you see any Chinese restaurants? An example of Chinese impact lies within culture and cuisine. Plenty of Chinese immigrants who migrated to the United States opened up noodle stalls and authentic Chinese restaurants that you will still be able to find today withstanding hundreds of generations. Chinese culture is everywhere. Chinese culture is found in modern art and traditional Chinese clothing that have been worn by immigrants that are in Chinatown. Chinese immigrants have also impacted many aspects of the medical field. Traditional Chinese medicine was exported to the United States during the 1800s. For instance, Chinese immigrants brought ailanthus seeds to America to grow. They grew into herbal remedies that became beneficial for arthritis. Chinatowns and Chinese communities are widespread in America –- diversifying our nation into a beautiful, accepting world full of contributions and history.

In commemoration of the Chinese immigrants who played a role in America’s social, economic and cultural aspects, Asian Pacific Islander Month should be celebrated by everyone around the globe. It is important to acknowledge the contributions that Asian Americans made and the sacrifices essential to the making of the American nation. Celebrating Asian Americans can mean honoring your heritage, looking up to prominent Asian historical figures, or simply thanking Asian American descendants you have encountered. Knowing that each culture is beautiful and unique in its own way, you should not only appreciate Chinese culture, but also other Asian cultures as well. All in all, there are hundreds of countries awaiting to be recognized, so what can you do to make an impact? Will you take the initiative and spread Asian pride?

 

 

*Sources* Info extracted from my slideshow/WAX Museum Information Research: 

Crum EC 1800s Immigration Group Investigation Slideshow

Copy of Wax Museum Information Gathering 2025 - Piano Kaewchaiyo