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Chinese Exclusion Act Of 1882

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The passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 solidified the United States hatred for the thousands of Chinese immigrants who had gone to find better jobs. The number increased dramatically when gold was found in California in 1848 causing “thousands to stream in(Moon)”. The passing of the act was the first significant law that restricted immigration into the country. When President Hayes passed it, it reversed the then open door policy. The Chinese immigrants were seen as inferior and an undesirable population. Furthermore, they were seen “as threat to the American culture, government and even the Caucasian Race.” These beliefs were ingrained into American society which maybe part of the reason the Chinese Massacre of 1887 was largely forgotten.

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