Oh that fateful day in 1848! Gold fever was running rampant. Men and a few women were coming from all over to strike it rich. Everyone wanted a piece of this pie; the Chinese, French, Spanish, Mexican and many other nationalities came to dig for gold. It was hard and difficult work; and it wasn't long before racism reared it very ugly head. The Chinese, Mexicans, Native Americans and many others suffered horrible injustices, from people who thought that they were stealing their American dream. California was not a safe place. Between 1849 and 1852, a quarter of a million people ( named the forty-niners) inhabited California. Many Native Americans were forced to flee, lest their race become extinct, due to murder and starvation and disease; as increasing numbers of people came in like waves. The gold rush came to an end like most things do and mines were set up, business were built as the hoopla died down. On a good note the gold rush brought in a melting pot of people and that melting pot makes what America is today.
Questions:
1. What nationality was one of the biggest groups to arrive to California?
2. What are your thoughts on the extreme prejudice that many nationalities suffered?
Summary:
Danielle
1. The Chinese were one of the biggest groups of people to immigrate to the United States--numbering 45,000 initially, but had almost no women among their numbers. Later on this grew to 63,500 which included 4,500 women. 10% of California was Chinese and 25% of California's labor force was Chinese. When you think about the numbers in relation to this time period, it's quite staggering.
ReplyDelete2. The extreme prejudices that many nationalities suffered to me is considered an abomination and a black mark upon our American society and history. We as a people, to be considered the land of opportunity and the "Melting Pot" of the world can little afford to harbor prejudices and discrimination. Our people is what makes this country great and diverse. We can draw upon the experiences of many to accomplish great things. However, if we harbor prejudices and discriminatory behaviors within ourselves, then we impede evolution of society and progress.
1.Like Theodore Said the Chinese was the largest group to arrive. Even though they were only 10 percent of the population they only made 25 percents of the wages. They were known for being hard workers and believed in the American dream of quick money. Most Chinese wanted to return to their country when riches were established.
ReplyDelete2.I believe that it is wrong that many of the nationalities suffered from extreme prejudice. Anglo-Americans believed the nation was theirs for the taken and caused many hard-ships on other races. Indians were believed to be savages and almost eradicated from their own land. Foreigners suffered because of low wages and lack of rights. Mexicans were even pushed from there own native area while the gold rush began.