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Nativism and the Chinese Exclusion Act Nativism • Policy of favoring native-born people over immigrants 1840s-1850s: Rise in Nativism • Increased immigration • Anti-Catholicism • Fear of job competition “The Pope’s Dream:” This cartoon references anti-Catholic attitudes common in the 19th century that Catholics were anti-democratic and loyal primarily to the Pope. 1880s: Nativism rose again • In response to “new” immigrants from SE Europe, Asia • California nativists pressure Congress 1850s-1880s: Rise in Chinese immigration • 300,000 came for work • Results: racism and discrimination Laundry-related artifacts from Stockton, CA. Many Chinese who came to CA worked as launderers because they could be their own boss, and didn’t need to speak much English. View of Chinatown alley Chinese Immigrants • By 1870, 26% of California’s Chinese population lived in San Francisco • 46% of the labor force in San Francisco in four key industries; boot and shoe making, woolen cloth, cigar and tobacco manufacture, and sewing. • By 1880, Chinese comprised 52% boot and shoe. 44% brick makers, 85% cigar makers, 33% of woolen mill operators. Excluding Chinese Immigrants ___FOR_____________________AGAINST Chinese Exclusion Act Preamble: Whereas, in the opinion of the Government of the United States, the coming of Chinese laborers to this country endangers the good order of the United States: • Section 1: Future Chinese laborers will be banned from immigrating to the United States • Section 2: Chinese laborers already in the U.S. will be allowed to stay. • Section 3: No Chinese people will be allowed to become U.S. citizens. 1882: Chinese Exclusion Act passed Renewed in 1892 (10 yrs) Made permanent in 1902 Remained in effect until 1943