This in-depth examination of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 provides a chronological review of the events, ordinances, and pervasive attitudes that preceded, coincided with, and followed its enactment.

The Chinese Exclusion Act contains the phrase "endangering the Good Order," reflecting the notion that all actions against the Chinese in America—legal or otherwise—were justified by the need to preserve the good order of established society in the United States. Ironically, some of the worst perpetrators of violence against the Chinese in the late 1800s were members of other immigrant minority groups.

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a historic act of legislation that demonstrated how the federal government of the United States once openly condoned racial discrimination. Once the Exclusion Act passed, the door was opened to further limitation of Asians in America during the late 19th century, such as the Scott Act of 1888 and the Geary Act of 1892, and increased hatred towards and violence against Chinese people based on the misguided belief they were to blame for depressed wage levels and unemployment among Caucasians.

This title traces the complete evolution of the Exclusion Act, including the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, the factors that served to increase their populations here, and the subsequent efforts to limit further immigration and encourage the departure of the Chinese already in America.

Features
• Provides excerpts from nearly two dozen original documents, including legislation, letters, essays, and other materials related to the sanctioning of discrimination against the Chinese in the United States
• Presents a chronology of significant actions and events that preceded and facilitated passage of the Exclusion Act, as well as occurrences after its passage and leading to its repeal
• Includes a bibliography of over 60 significant sources that reflect attitudes, news reports, and legislation from the time of the Exclusion Act and contemporary viewpoints on the historical event
• Contains a helpful glossary of terms commonly employed in a discussion of the Chinese-American experience and passage of the Exclusion Act

Highlights
• Provides a thorough analysis of the Exclusion Act by exploring historical background centuries before and decades after its implementation
• Employs numerous resource materials from both historical and contemporary sources to build a comprehensive analysis
• Supplies a historical context by which readers can analyze and discuss contemporary situations regarding immigrant populations in contemporary America
• Promotes an understanding of the intricate nature of immigration problems and the need for equally complex solutions

John Soennichsen is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MFA in creative writing. His published works include Live! From Death Valley: Dispatches from America's Low Point and Bretz's Flood: The Remarkable Story of a Rebel Geologist and the World's Greatest Flood.

Reviews
"The methodical analysis of the events leading up to the passage of the Exclusion Act helps students discover how the passage of such a law could happen. Coupled with the appended material, this volume makes a comprehensive resource on the early history of Chinese immigration and the systematic harassment these immigrants faced."—School Library Journal