Chinatowns: Migration to Gentrification

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the history and transformation of Chinatowns in the United States, including migration patterns, legal discrimination, community responses, and contemporary challenges.

What prompted the early Chinese migration to the United States in the mid-1800s?

The Gold Rush and the construction of the transcontinental railroad.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882?

restrict immigration based on race, barring Chinese from naturalization and limiting new immigration.

What major event occurred in Rock Springs, Wyoming in 1885?

150 armed white miners set fire to Chinese homes and killed 28 people in anti-Chinese violence.

How did anti-Chinese violence affect migration patterns of Chinese immigrants?

Many Chinese fled westward to escape violence, leading to the formation of East-Coast Chinatowns.

What role did community organizations play in Chinese immigrant communities?

They provided legal representation, health services, and social support, functioning as early social service agencies.

What stereotypes did the media promote about Chinese immigrants in the 19th century?

They were depicted as 'dens of prostitutes, gamblers, and opium addicts,' contributing to negative public perception.

How did the Repeal of the Exclusion Act in 1943 affect perceptions of Chinese families?

Media began portraying Chinatown families as model citizens, emphasizing their law-abiding nature and values.

What significant economic transformation occurred in Chinatowns post-World War II?

A shift to the garment industry attracted low rents and cheap labor, reshaping demographics.

What impact did gentrification have on Chinatowns in the 1990s?

pushed many Chinese residents out due to rising real estate values and the decline of the garment industry.

How did the experiences of Mexican and Japanese immigrants compare to Chinese immigrants in terms of legal discrimination?

Both faced economic restrictions and segregation, but Japanese immigrants faced additional barriers such as Alien Land Laws.