Thesis:
The mistreatment of Chinese-Americans during the pre-Chinese Exclusion era was a leading model of racism that resulted in a legacy of hate. This created a lasting impact by normalizing the abuse of Chinese residents in the United States.
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Before the 1840s, the U.S. had a very modest Chinese population. Incoming Chinese immigrants were welcomed and tolerated. Wishing for a better life than what China provided, Chinese immigrants immigrated to the America during the pre-Chinese Exclusion era.
A native-born citizen, the American eagle seemed not a whit proud of him; a
native son, California was ready to repudiate him. ~The San Francisco call. (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, November 15, 1896 O, California’s coming down, as you can plainly see. They are hiring Chinamen, and discharging you and me; but strife will be in every town, throughout the Pacific shore, And the cry of old and young shall be, “O, damn, ‘Twelve Hundred More’”
~A song sung by white workers during the Pre-Exclusion Era |