The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882

This in-depth examination of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 provides a chronological review of the events, ordinances, and pervasive attitudes that preceded, coincided with, and followed its enactment.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a historic act of legislation that demonstrated how the federal government of the United States once openly condoned racial discrimination. Once the Exclusion Act passed, the door was opened to further limitation of Asians in America during the late 19th century, such as the Scott Act of 1888 and the Geary Act of 1892, and increased hatred towards and violence against Chinese people based on the misguided belief they were to blame for depressed wage levels and unemployment among Caucasians.

This title traces the complete evolution of the Exclusion Act, including the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, the factors that served to increase their populations here, and the subsequent efforts to limit further immigration and encourage the departure of the Chinese already in America.

Author: John Soennichsen
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 02/02/2011
Pages: 200
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780313379468

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 07/01/2011 pg. 117
Reference and Research Bk News 04/01/2011 pg. 50

About the Author

John Soennichsen is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MFA in creative writing.