2. Define the term Nativist. What was the main agenda of the nativists? Why where the Chinese excluded from setting in the United States? What act prevented this? Read Lesson 1 and Topic 11.1: A New Wave of Immigration in American History textbook. Read Nativist Opposition. Know what acts Congress passed against Chinese immigrants. Read Lesson 5 and Topic 11.5: Progress and setbacks for social justice in American History textbook. Read Blocking Asian Immigration
The term Nativist refers to individuals or groups who advocate for the protection of native-born citizens and promote policies that favor their interests over those of immigrants. The main agenda of the nativists was to restrict immigration and preserve the cultural, economic, and political dominance of the native-born population.
The Chinese were excluded from settling in the United States primarily due to racial discrimination and racism against them. Nativists believed that Chinese immigrants posed a threat to American labor and society and sought to limit their entry into the country. They were perceived as competition for jobs and seen as a threat to the social and cultural fabric of the United States.
To prevent Chinese immigration, Congress passed several acts. The most notable one was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which banned the entry of Chinese laborers into the United States and was the first major federal law to restrict immigration based on race and nationality. This act effectively prohibited Chinese immigrants from entering the United States and greatly limited the Chinese population already residing there. The act was not repealed until 1943.