Part A) How did the completion of the northern pacific railroad lead to the anti-chinese congress?
Part B) what do events such as the anti-chinese congress suggest about anti-immagrant sentiment in Washington?
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What do you think? What does your reading assignment say?
part 1) A?
by causing more job scarcity
because job competition was a main cause
Part A) The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad played a significant role in contributing to the anti-Chinese sentiment that led to the Anti-Chinese Congress. Here's how this connection can be explained:
1. Economic Factors: The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883 opened up transportation routes to the western regions of the United States, facilitating the growth of mining, logging, and other industries. This economic expansion created a need for a cheap labor force to meet the increasing demand.
2. Chinese Laborers: To fulfill this demand, numerous Chinese laborers were brought in to work on the construction of the railroad and subsequently found employment in various industries. Initially, they were welcomed due to their willingness to work for lower wages than their non-Chinese counterparts.
3. Labor Competition: As the Chinese labor force grew, they began facing hostility from white American workers who felt threatened by the Chinese workers' willingness to work for lower wages. This competition for jobs became a significant source of tension and resentment.
4. Labor Union Movements: American labor unions, representing the interests of native-born workers, started campaigning against Chinese immigration and their perceived impact on job availability and wages.
5. Rise of Anti-Chinese Sentiment: The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad intensified the anti-Chinese sentiment already present among the white American labor force. Many labor union members and workers harbored negative stereotypes about Chinese laborers and perceived them as a threat to their economic well-being.
6. Anti-Chinese Congress: In response to mounting anti-Chinese sentiment and pressure from labor unions, the Anti-Chinese Congress was organized in the 1870s and 1880s. Its objective was to advocate for legislation and policies that restricted Chinese immigration and their rights in the United States.
In summary, the completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad increased the number of Chinese laborers in the United States, which, in turn, intensified labor competition and contributed to the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment among white American workers. The Anti-Chinese Congress emerged as a platform to push for restrictions on Chinese immigration.
Part B) The events surrounding the Anti-Chinese Congress suggest a prevalent anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly against Chinese immigrants, in Washington and the United States as a whole during that time. The sentiment could be attributed to several factors:
1. Economic Anxiety: The fear of job competition and wage suppression fueled by Chinese immigrants contributed to anti-immigrant sentiment. Many Americans saw Chinese immigrants as taking away job opportunities from native-born workers.
2. Racism and Xenophobia: The sentiment against Chinese immigrants often stemmed from racist and xenophobic attitudes prevalent in American society at the time. Chinese immigrants faced discrimination and were subjected to racial stereotypes and stigmatization.
3. Political Influence: The mobilization of labor unions and the organization of events like the Anti-Chinese Congress indicate a significant level of support for anti-immigration sentiments within the political landscape of Washington. It suggests that politicians and lawmakers responded to public opinion, using regulatory and legislative means to address the concerns surrounding Chinese immigration.
Overall, the events surrounding the Anti-Chinese Congress reflect a climate of anti-immigrant sentiment, with a focus on Chinese immigrants, in Washington and the wider United States during that era. It highlights the economic fears, racial prejudices, and political pressures that played a role in shaping attitudes toward immigrants.