The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

John Soennichsen

Feb 2011 · ABC-CLIO

About this ebook

This in-depth examination of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 provides a chronological review of the events, ordinances, and pervasive attitudes that preceded, coincided with, and followed its enactment.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a historic act of legislation that demonstrated how the federal government of the United States once openly condoned racial discrimination. Once the Exclusion Act passed, the door was opened to further limitation of Asians in America during the late 19th century, such as the Scott Act of 1888 and the Geary Act of 1892, and increased hatred towards and violence against Chinese people based on the misguided belief they were to blame for depressed wage levels and unemployment among Caucasians.

This title traces the complete evolution of the Exclusion Act, including the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, the factors that served to increase their populations here, and the subsequent efforts to limit further immigration and encourage the departure of the Chinese already in America.

Provides excerpts from nearly two dozen original documents, including legislation, letters, essays, and other materials related to the sanctioning of discrimination against the Chinese in the United States

Presents a chronology of significant actions and events that preceded and facilitated passage of the Exclusion Act, as well as occurrences after its passage and leading to its repeal

Includes a bibliography of over 60 significant sources that reflect attitudes, news reports, and legislation from the time of the Exclusion Act and contemporary viewpoints on the historical event

Contains a helpful glossary of terms commonly employed in a discussion of the Chinese-American experience and passage of the Exclusion Act

About the author

John Soennichsen is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MFA in creative writing.