The Chinese Immigrant Experience in the U.S.

What were the main reasons Chinese immigrants came to the United States in the 1850s?

• To escape political unrest and find work in mining and railroads

• To establish new educational institutions

• Exploration and adventure

• For religious freedom

What led to the violent backlash against Chinese immigrants in the 1870s?

• Cultural differences

• Competition for jobs during high unemployment

• Legal disputes over land

• Their involvement in politics

How did the Chinese Central Pacific railroad workers' strike of 1867 end?

• The workers received higher wages

• The workers formed their own railroad company

• The strike led to the repeal of discriminatory laws

• The company cut off their food supplies until they returned to work

What was the primary goal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

• To encourage Chinese immigrants to return to China

• To stop Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S.

• To reduce competition in the job market

• To limit Chinese influence in American culture

When was the Chinese Exclusion Act finally repealed?

• 1965

• 1943

• 1982

• 1920

Mounting resentment led ________ to limit immigration through the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Restriction Act of 1921. 

• Executive 
• Supreme Court
• President
• Congress

In the late 1800's, which was NOT a reason Congress passed restrictions on Chinese immigrants?

• Chinese immigrants took jobs
• Nativist & racial hate
• Chinese immigrants were moving east
• Chinese workers took lower pay

Prior to 1871, where did immigrants come from?

• Northern and Western Europe

• Southern and Eastern Europe

• Asia

• Latin America

The Irish and Chinese, once in The United States, found work on...

• Plantations, where they replaced slave labor

• The Transcontinental Railroad

• Steam Boats along the Mississippi River

• Committees of Correspondence

During the late 19th century, most immigrants to the US found work as-

• Educated professionals
• skilled workers
• Factory/sweatshop workers
• Scientists