Which condition enabled the virtual enslavement of Asian Americans in the late 19th century?
(1 point)
Responses
segregation under the separate but equal doctrine
segregation under the separate but equal doctrine
inability to apply the 13th Amendment in certain states
inability to apply the 13th Amendment in certain states
distinctions between the rights of citizens and non-citizens
distinctions between the rights of citizens and non-citizens
refusal of the government to protect Asian Americans from their employers
distinctions between the rights of citizens and non-citizens
The condition that enabled the virtual enslavement of Asian Americans in the late 19th century was the refusal of the government to protect Asian Americans from their employers.
The correct answer is "distinctions between the rights of citizens and non-citizens."
To arrive at this answer, we need to examine the historical context of Asian Americans in the late 19th century. During this time, there was a wave of Asian immigration to the United States, primarily from China and Japan, in search of economic opportunities. However, this influx of immigrants led to a growing fear and backlash from white Americans who saw the Asians as economic and cultural threats.
To counter this, laws were passed that specifically targeted Asian Americans and limited their rights and opportunities. One significant aspect was the creation of distinctions between the rights of citizens (mostly white Americans) and non-citizens (Asian immigrants). These distinctions allowed for the virtual enslavement of Asian Americans.
For example, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely restricted Chinese immigration and denied Chinese laborers the ability to become naturalized citizens. This limited their rights, subjected them to harsh labor conditions, and made them vulnerable to exploitation by employers.
Therefore, the condition that enabled the virtual enslavement of Asian Americans in the late 19th century was the distinctions between the rights of citizens and non-citizens, which subjected Asian immigrants to discriminatory laws and exploitation.