Member-only story

Asians in America Before 1900: A Hidden History

David Mitchell

·9.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Asian American History For Kids: Asians In America Before 1900

5 min read

323 View Claps

35 Respond

Save

Listen

The history of Asians in America before 1900 is often overlooked, but it is a rich and complex story. Asians have been coming to America for centuries, and they have made significant contributions to the country's history and culture.

Asian American History for Kids: Asians in America before 1900

by Omotayo Adesanya

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2236 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	30 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Early Asian Immigration

The first Asians to arrive in America were Chinese laborers who came to work on the railroads in the mid-1800s. They were followed by Japanese, Korean, and Filipino immigrants who came to work in agriculture, mining, and other industries.

Many of these early Asian immigrants faced discrimination and prejudice. They were often paid less than white workers and were forced to live in segregated communities. However, they persevered and eventually established their own businesses and communities.

Chinese Immigration

The Chinese were the largest group of Asian immigrants to arrive in America before 1900. They began coming to the United States in the mid-1800s to work on the railroads. The Chinese played a vital role in the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which connected the East and West coasts of the United States.

However, the Chinese also faced discrimination and prejudice. In 1882, the United States Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which banned Chinese immigration for 10 years. The act was later extended and made permanent in 1902.

Japanese Immigration

The Japanese were the second largest group of Asian immigrants to arrive in America before 1900. They began coming to the United States in the late 1800s to work in agriculture, mining, and other industries.

The Japanese also faced discrimination and prejudice. In 1906, the San Francisco School Board passed a resolution that segregated Japanese students from white students. The resolution sparked a diplomatic crisis between the United States and Japan.

Korean Immigration

The Koreans were the third largest group of Asian immigrants to arrive in America before 1900. They began coming to the United States in the early 1900s to work in agriculture, mining, and other industries.

The Koreans also faced discrimination and prejudice. In 1905, the United States Congress passed the Korean Exclusion Act, which banned Korean immigration for 10 years. The act was later extended and made permanent in 1907.

Filipino Immigration

The Filipinos were the fourth largest group of Asian immigrants to arrive in America before 1900. They began coming to the United States in the late 1800s to work in agriculture, mining, and other industries.

The Filipinos also faced discrimination and prejudice. In 1924, the United States Congress passed the Immigration Act of 1924, which established national quotas for immigration. The act discriminated against Asians, and it resulted in a sharp decline in Filipino immigration.

Asian American Identity

The experience of Asians in America before 1900 was one of discrimination, prejudice, and hardship. However, it was also a story of perseverance and resilience. Asians persevered in the face of adversity, and they eventually established their own businesses and communities.

The Asian American identity is a complex and diverse one. It is shaped by the experiences of Asian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Asian Americans have their own unique culture and history, but they are also part of the larger American story.

The history of Asians in America before 1900 is a hidden history, but it is a rich and complex story. Asians have been coming to America for centuries, and they have made significant contributions to the country's history and culture. The story of Asians in America is one of perseverance, resilience, and hope.

Asian American History for Kids: Asians in America before 1900

by Omotayo Adesanya

4 out of 5