Chinese immigrants are the biggest Asian immigrant group in the United States. The first Chinese immigrants arrived in America in the 1820s. The US Census reports approximately 325 Chinese men immigrated before the 1849 gold rush. The first wave of immigrants came in the1850s when many Cantonese construction workers from China went to America to work at the trans-continental railroad. While others during California Gold Rush, because they wanted to find the Gum San or Gold Mountain.
In the early mid 1800s, the Chinese were a minority group, and were singled out and discriminated. They were the first immigrant group to be targeted for exclusion and denial of citizenship by the U.S. Congress in 1882 after their work in the transcontinental railroad was no longer needed. Chinese immigration abruptly stopped after the exclusion laws and anti-chinese stigma in 1882.
Cantonese Immigrants in 1880
Source: Interactive Map
From 1882 to 1950, there were very few Cantonese immigrants and was called the exclusion period. The main immigrants during that time period were war brides from World War II, refugees and the highly educated. The Civil Rights movement in 1964 opened a door for the Cantonese to immigrate to America again. Cantonese Americans were liberated from their racial oppression, and many Cantonese were reunited with their loved ones in America.
Cantonese Immigrants in 1970s
Source: Interactive Map
The Cantonese Immigrants that have come to America after 1970 can be split into two main categories; scholars, and refugees. Many highly educated Cantonese, have come to America for advanced degrees. Mainly being science and technology at Ivy League Universities. Additionally, some Cantonese refugees fled to the United States to escape political instability or repression due to the after effects of the Cold war (1972) or the Vietnam War (1975). Others are ethnic Chinese from Vietnam or Cambodia, who were familiar with the Cantonese language and culture.
Cantonese Immigrants Now
Source: Interactive Map
The steady flow of immigrants from Hong Kong, and China have created very large, diverse Cantonese American communities. About 2.6 million people of Cantonese heritage live in America today, with the third most spoken language in America Cantonese. It is recorded that the majority of Cantonese Americans live in California, New York and Hawaii. The effects of Chinese influence are very much prevalent in modern American culture, espeically in the take-out and fast food industry. There are more Chinese restaurant joints in America than any other fast food chain including McDonalds, Wendy's and KFC! Making Chinese culture the most prominent Asian culture in America.
Connecting to Essential Questions...
Why do people move?
Generally, people move to seek a better life. Starting from the 1850s, the Cantonese have moved from China and Hong Kong to California for job opportunities during the trans-continental railroad building. And many Chinese scrambled to America during the Gold Rush dreaming of getting rich quick, although most did not succeed. Then, during the period of exclusion, most of the Cantonese were scholars or war refugees. These scholars moved to America for higher education and to earn more money. On the other hand, refugees came to America to escape political instability, and/or war. Since the 1970s, there have been an increasing number of Cantonese immigrants making Chinese Americans as a whole the biggest Asian Immigrant Group in America. This is because in the past century, Americans have lifted their exclusion acts and are less racially discriminating towards other races. Nowadays, most Cantonese immigrants move to America for education and to reunite with their loved ones.
What does it mean to be American?
America is a big melting pot of many different cultures, languages and traditions. Being American is different for everyone, but one thing that stands out among all Americans is freedom. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Assembly just to name a few. These rights are something unique to America, and no other country has ever had as many rights for the citizens. Being American also means to be a contributing member of society, and improving the American economy, and lifestyle. Being Cantonese American, is being part of a diverse country that accepts you for who you are. A place where you can be free despite your skin color, religion, culture and language. America is an immigrant nation, it is carried by the many immigrants who have travelled from so many different nations to seek a better life, better education, or to find their fortune. Immigrants came to America to escape poverty, hunger, and war. Finally, "Being American is someone who is hardworking and proud to be an American." - Jose Antonio Vargas
In the early mid 1800s, the Chinese were a minority group, and were singled out and discriminated. They were the first immigrant group to be targeted for exclusion and denial of citizenship by the U.S. Congress in 1882 after their work in the transcontinental railroad was no longer needed. Chinese immigration abruptly stopped after the exclusion laws and anti-chinese stigma in 1882.
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| Cantonese Immigrants in 1880 Source: Interactive Map |
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| Cantonese Immigrants in 1970s Source: Interactive Map |
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| Cantonese Immigrants Now Source: Interactive Map |
Connecting to Essential Questions...
Why do people move?
Generally, people move to seek a better life. Starting from the 1850s, the Cantonese have moved from China and Hong Kong to California for job opportunities during the trans-continental railroad building. And many Chinese scrambled to America during the Gold Rush dreaming of getting rich quick, although most did not succeed. Then, during the period of exclusion, most of the Cantonese were scholars or war refugees. These scholars moved to America for higher education and to earn more money. On the other hand, refugees came to America to escape political instability, and/or war. Since the 1970s, there have been an increasing number of Cantonese immigrants making Chinese Americans as a whole the biggest Asian Immigrant Group in America. This is because in the past century, Americans have lifted their exclusion acts and are less racially discriminating towards other races. Nowadays, most Cantonese immigrants move to America for education and to reunite with their loved ones.
What does it mean to be American?
America is a big melting pot of many different cultures, languages and traditions. Being American is different for everyone, but one thing that stands out among all Americans is freedom. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Assembly just to name a few. These rights are something unique to America, and no other country has ever had as many rights for the citizens. Being American also means to be a contributing member of society, and improving the American economy, and lifestyle. Being Cantonese American, is being part of a diverse country that accepts you for who you are. A place where you can be free despite your skin color, religion, culture and language. America is an immigrant nation, it is carried by the many immigrants who have travelled from so many different nations to seek a better life, better education, or to find their fortune. Immigrants came to America to escape poverty, hunger, and war. Finally, "Being American is someone who is hardworking and proud to be an American." - Jose Antonio Vargas