Abstract
Chinese immigrants were integral to many industries of early California. In Humboldt, they worked in industries such as logging, fishing, and railroads, and provided essential services, such as farming, gathering, or laundry, to the local economy. Chinese immigrants in Humboldt County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries faced systemic discrimination that became a defining feature of the region's identity. State legislation, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, along with national economic instability, particularly the Long Depression (1873–1896) and xenophobic policies in California influenced legislation and attitudes in Humboldt County. These forces combined with long-held local prejudices and competition between Euro-American and Chinese laborers in Humboldt, culminated in the Chinese Expulsion Event of 1885, which marked a pivotal moment in the county's history. This event solidified a legacy of anti-Chinese sentiment that persisted for over half a century, leading to the exclusion of Chinese communities, and shaping the region's social and cultural identity.
Date
Fall 2024
Department
History
Concentration/Emphasis
History
Advisor/Professor
Professor Robert Cliver
Citation Style
Chicago
Included in
Asian History Commons, Cultural History Commons, Labor History Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons