1. Nativism and the Chinese Exclusion Act

2. Nativism
Policy of favoring native-born people over immigrants

3. 1840s-1850s: Rise in Nativism Increased immigration Anti-Catholicism
Fear of job competition
“The Pope’s Dream:” This cartoon references
anti-Catholic attitudes common in the 19th
century that Catholics were anti-democratic
and loyal primarily to the Pope.

4. A nativist cartoon depicting the Irish and the Germans stealing the ballot box while Americans fight at the polls

5. 1850s-1880s: Rise in Chinese immigration
300,000 came for work
Results: racism and discrimination
Laundry-related artifacts from Stockton, CA. Many Chinese who came to CA worked as launderers because they could be their own boss, and didn’t need to speak much English.
View of Chinatown alley

6. 1880s: Nativism rose again
In response to “new” immigrants from SE Europe, Asia
California nativists pressure Congress

7. Chinese Immigrants
By 1870, 26% of California’s Chinese population lived in San Francisco
46% of the labor force in San Francisco in four key industries; boot and shoe making, woolen cloth, cigar and tobacco manufacture, and sewing.
By 1880, Chinese comprised 52% boot and shoe. 44% brick makers, 85% cigar makers, 33% of woolen mill operators.

11. Excluding Chinese Immigrants
___FOR_____________________AGAINST

12. Chinese Exclusion Act
Preamble: Whereas, in the opinion of the Government of the United States, the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of the United States:
Section 1: Future Chinese laborers will be banned from immigrating to the United States
Section 2: Chinese laborers already in the U.S. will be allowed to stay.
Section 3: No Chinese people will be allowed to become U.S. citizens.

13. 1882: Chinese Exclusion Act passed
Renewed in 1892 (10 yrs)
Made permanent in 1902
Remained in effect until 1943