Which condition enabled the virtual enslavement of Asian
Americans in the late 19th century?
(1 point)
segregation under the separate but equal doctrine
inability to apply the 13th Amendment in certain states
distinctions between the rights of citizens and noncitizens
refusal of the government to protect Asian Americans
from their employers
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. To understand why this condition led to virtual enslavement, we need to look at the historical context.
During the late 19th century, many Asian immigrants came to the United States to seek economic opportunities, particularly Chinese immigrants who came to work on the Transcontinental Railroad or in other industries. However, these immigrants faced various forms of discrimination and exploitation.
One significant factor was the lack of government protection for Asian Americans. The government did not actively enforce laws or regulations to protect Asian immigrant workers from abuse or mistreatment by their employers. Without this protection, employers were able to take advantage of Asian immigrants by paying them low wages, subjecting them to unsafe working conditions, and imposing long working hours. In some cases, the level of exploitation was comparable to slavery, as these workers were essentially trapped in difficult working and living conditions with limited legal recourse.
So, the refusal of the government to protect Asian Americans from their employers played a key role in enabling their virtual enslavement during this period.