The California Gold Rush: Chinese Laborers in America (1848-1882)

Immigration from China to the United States coincided with the California gold rush. Attracted by the riches Gold Mountain had to offer, Chinese immigrants in search of a better life left China in droves in the mid-to-late 19th century. Readers will learn what hardships and successes Chinese immigrants faced when they arrived in the United States through a detailed examination of the push and pull factors that caused thousands of Chinese to leave their home. Important topics such as the growth of the railroad and anti-immigration policies help readers understand the big-picture perspective of Chinese immigration in America. Historical photographs and primary sources provide opportunities for additional learning.