During the late 1800s, the Chinese immigration rate:
A. decreased because of new legislation. B. decreased because of a war in China. C. increased because of a gold rush. D. increased because of job opportunities.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. decreased because of new legislation.
During the late 1800s, Chinese immigration to the United States saw a significant decline primarily due to legislative changes aimed at restricting immigration. The most notable of these was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was the first federal law in U.S. history to prohibit immigration based on nationality or ethnicity. This act was a direct response to widespread anti-Chinese sentiment, particularly in the western states, where Chinese laborers were often blamed for job competition and wage suppression.
Prior to this legislation, a large influx of Chinese immigrants had arrived in the United States, particularly during the California Gold Rush of 1849 and the subsequent demand for labor to build the Transcontinental Railroad. Many Chinese immigrants came seeking economic opportunities, escaping poverty, and social upheaval in China. However, as the economic landscape shifted and the railroad was completed, the demand for Chinese labor diminished.
With the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act, the U.S. government not only halted the immigration of Chinese laborers but also barred those who had previously immigrated from returning if they left the country. The legislation reflected deep-rooted racial prejudice and xenophobia, leading to an environment where Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination and violence.
The act was renewed and expanded in subsequent years, leading to further restrictions and a lasting impact on Chinese immigration patterns. Consequently, the number of Chinese immigrants entering the United States dropped significantly during this period, marking a stark contrast to the earlier decades when their numbers had been steadily rising due to economic opportunities. This legislative framework set the stage for a prolonged period of limited Chinese immigration, which would not begin to change significantly until the mid-20th century.