American Immigration 19th Century

One of the greatest achievements in America during the 19th century was the construction of the transcontinental railroad. After the southern states left the Union, on July 1, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act. This allowed railroad companies such as the Union Pacific and Central Pacific to build railways connecting the east to the west part of the United States. Foreign immigrants in searching for a better life made the construction of the railroad possible. Thousands of Chinese immigrants came to America, in search of work in the gold mines. During California Gold Rush (1848-1855) it sparked news of great fortunes being made in California, where individuals from around the world believed that it was their ticket …show more content…
(Chang, 21) During, the midpoint of the 19th century more than a million Irish immigrants left their country and arrived the shore of America. Many left to escape the British oppression where they had unreasonable taxes and rents, and the religious discrimination in their own home (Chang, 21). In 1840s more than half of the people who arrived to the United States were Irish, giving them the dream they long being searching for. America during the 19th century was divided into two social and economic spheres, where the northern region had the large cities and controlled the industrial development. Many immigrants were able to find jobs in the factories usually for paltry wages. The southern part was dominated with the agricultural system and largely was sustain by slave work. The economic difficulties for immigrants in America ran deep no matter where they …show more content…
Like many immigrants communities the Chinese built their own institutions and businesses. The economic depression that happened in the 1870s intensified the prejudice against Chinese. Many angry white workers fought to keep the Chinese labor out of California. In February 1881, a hated debated occur in the U.S. Congress when California senator John F. Miller, well known for his anti-Chinese sentiments introduce a bill to bar Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. John Miller believed that America rightfully belonged to only white people. (Chang p 131) Many of Miller colleagues completely agreed with him, but despite the popular support for the bill President Chester Arthur vetoed it. President Arthur disagreement against the bill the twenty ban was too long and he also feared the Qing government (Chinese government) would react by shutting down Chinese port where American goods are traded. He actually admired the contribution that Chinese workers made for building the transcontinental railroad and development in agriculture. (Chang p 132) As a result of all the resentment of thirty years against Chinese immigrants the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was signed by Chester A. Arthur the 21th President of the United States on May

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