Why were Chinese immigrants targeted by the Chinese Exclusion Act
The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882 by the U.S. Congress and it was primarily aimed at limiting or completely stopping the immigration of Chinese people into the United States. There were several reasons why Chinese immigrants were targeted by this act:
1. Economic Reasons: Many American workers, particularly those in the western states, felt threatened by the presence of Chinese immigrants, especially in industries such as mining, agriculture, and railroad construction. Chinese immigrants were often willing to work for lower wages, which resulted in increased competition for jobs. This led to resentment and the belief that Chinese workers were taking away opportunities from American workers.
2. Racial Prejudice: Chinese immigrants were seen as being racially inferior and culturally different. They were perceived as a threat to the white Anglo-Saxon Protestant character of America. This racial prejudice and xenophobia played a significant role in the targeting of Chinese immigrants.
3. Scapegoating: Chinese immigrants were blamed for various societal issues, including economic struggles faced by Americans, particularly during times of economic recession or depression. Politicians and labor organizations found it politically expedient to blame Chinese immigrants for these problems and scapegoated them as a way to appease their constituents and gain support.
4. Yellow Peril: The late 19th century saw the rise of the "Yellow Peril" ideology, which portrayed Asians, particularly the Chinese, as a threat to Western civilization. This ideology fueled anti-Chinese sentiments and created a hostile environment for Chinese immigrants.
5. Racial Exclusion: The Chinese Exclusion Act was part of a broader trend of racial exclusion policies in the United States. The act marked the first time in U.S. history that a specific ethnic group was targeted and prohibited from entering the country based solely on their race or nationality.
Overall, the Chinese Exclusion Act was driven by a combination of economic concerns, racial prejudice, scapegoating, and the prevailing anti-Chinese sentiment of the time. It reflected the fears and anxieties of the American people and the political climate of the late 19th century.