I'm writing historical fiction about Chinese immigrants in the 1800s..the story wll end with a chinese immigrant arriving at america, for a better life, and a little on how their new lives were in america.
In the middle, i think i'll have to include what made them want to leave, how they left, how the trip was to america, and all that. I tried to research about why they left and how they left, but i keep on getting info on how life was in america, and i don't need that as much.
can you help me research some more? and if you can't find it, can you reccomend another group of immigrants i can do my story on?
Scotch-Irish Immigrants, African Immigrants
Here are a number of sites:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=Chinese+immigration+to+America&btnG=Google+Search
I would recommend having your family come into the California area. There were many families who moved there during the l800's and were part of the Gold Rush society in many ways. Others worked on the railroads being built.
Check these sites.
(Broken Link Removed)
http://cprr.org/Museum/Chinese.html
http://volokh.com/posts/1220278285.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_American
http://immigrants.harpweek.com/
thanks! you gave me great ideas.
You're welcome. Good luck with your story.
Of course! I can help you with your research on why Chinese immigrants left China and how they made the journey to America in the 1800s. It can sometimes be challenging to find specific information, but I can guide you on how to conduct effective research.
To start, here are some key resources and strategies you can use:
1. Books: Look for historical books specifically focusing on Chinese immigration in the 1800s. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
- "The Chinese in America: A Narrative History" by Iris Chang
- "Banana Fish: The Story of Chinese in America" by Mae Ngai
- "Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans" by Ronald Takaki
2. Academic Journals and Articles: Utilize online scholarly databases like JSTOR, Project MUSE, or Google Scholar. Search for articles using keywords such as "Chinese immigration in the 19th century" or "reasons for Chinese immigrants leaving China."
3. Online Archives and Museums: Explore digital archives and resources provided by libraries and museums. Examples include The Library of Congress, National Archives, Chinese Historical Society of America, and Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation.
4. Oral Histories: Seek out recorded interviews or transcripts from Chinese immigrants in America. These personal accounts can provide valuable insights into their experiences and reasons for leaving China.
5. Documentaries and Films: Watch documentaries or films that focus on Chinese immigration in the 1800s. They can provide visual context and help you better understand the challenges and motivations behind their journey.
If you encounter difficulties finding specific details about Chinese immigration, another group of immigrants you can consider researching is Irish immigrants in the 1800s. They faced similar challenges and also sought a better life in America during that period. Resources about Irish immigration to the United States are relatively abundant, which may make it easier to find relevant information for your story.
Remember, the key to successful research is to explore a variety of sources and perspectives. By combining different resources, you'll gain a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen immigrant group's experiences. Good luck with your historical fiction writing!