Key moments in Asian American history come alive in this concise and accessible chronology.
From the influx of Chinese laborers in the 1800s to the popularity of the martial arts today, the history of Asians in the United States is broad and varied. It is a history of exploitation and of achievement—and one of lasting influence on American culture.
Understanding the history of Asians in America is key to understanding the development of America itself. Asian American Chronology: Chronologies of the American Mosaic presents the most influential events in Asian American history—as well as key moments that have remained under the historical radar. This in-depth record covers events from the 18th century to the present day, including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Entries, organized chronologically by category, allow readers to trace the development of Asian peoples and culture in the United States over time, including the role of Chinese labor in building railroads, the importation of Filipino slaves, labor strikes and civil rights issues, Japanese-American internment, women's roles, literature, music, politics, and increased immigration in the mid-20th century. In addition to these broad topics, the book also treats individual events from the Rock Springs Massacre to the Gold Rush to the current prevalence of Japanese players in Major League Baseball.
Features
• 20 photographs bring events and people to vibrant life
• Short entries are organized chronologically by date and then alphabetically by subject heading to make it easy for students to find what they need
• Engaging sidebars, illustrations, and print and electronic sources enable further research
• An extensive bibliography offers a wealth of print and electronic resources for further research, including government reports, census and immigration information, and websites specific to several Asian subgroups
Highlights
• The easy-to-use format, lively, engaging voice, and accessible writing style are ideal for high school students and general readers alike
• A unique format of chronological organization by subject lends itself to cross-comparisons and gives students a sense of the ways in which historical events unfold over time
• Particular weight is given to the timely subject areas of population, immigration, law, labor, gender, and international relations
• An array of curricular areas are supported, including Asian American history, American history, and multicultural studies.
Xiaojian Zhao is associate professor and chair of the Department of Asian American Studies at the University of California-Santa Barbara, CA. She has taught and conducted research in Asian American history for over a decade. She is author of The New Chinese America: Networks and Social Hierarchy and Remaking Chinese America: Immigration, Family, and Community, 1940-1965, which won the 2003 History Book Award from the Association for Asian American Studies.
Reviews
"This reference gives the general reader an introduction to breadth of the Asian experience in America."—ARBAonline
"This chronology of Asian-American generations in North America can be used by general readers to track 31 subject categories such as migration patterns, historical events, agricultural and farming practices, foreign relations, media and film, science, law and court cases and population. Zhao (Asian American studies, U. of California Santa Barbara) divides
this information into pre-nineteenth century, nineteenth century, twentieth century and twenty-first century sections, with brief paragraphs stating relevant developments in social, cultural and political spheres. A glossary of common Asian terminology and a selected biography for further study are also included."—Reference & Research Book News
