Title: The Chinese must go
Description: In 1882, the United States launched an unprecedented experiment in federal border control--which promptly failed. The Chinese Must Go examines this formative moment when America's lackluster attempt to bar Chinese workers provoked a wave of anti-Chinese violence across the U.S. West. In 1885 and 1886, white vigilantes in over 150 communities used intimidation, harassment, bombs, arson, assault, and murder to drive out their Chinese neighbors. This little-known outbreak of racial violence had profound consequences. Displacing tens of thousands of Chinese immigrants, the expulsions reshaped America's racial geography. In response, the federal government not only overhauled U.S. immigration law, but also transformed its diplomatic relations with China. The Chinese Must Go recasts the history of Chinese exclusion and its importance for modern America. During a period better known for the invention of the modern citizen, the Chinese in America defined what it meant to be an alien. The significance of the "heathen Chinaman" on American law and society far outlived him.--
Subjects: Violence against, Chinese, Aliens, Race relations, Border security, Race discrimination, Emigration and immigration law, History, Chinese, united states, United states, race relations, Aliens, united states, National security, united states, United states, history, 19th century, Noncitizens, SOCIAL SCIENCE, Discrimination & Race Relations, Minority Studies
Places: United States
Time periods: 19th century