 |
 |
The politicians also blamed the Chinese for
California's economic problems. Finally, in August of 1870, an anti-Chinese
convention held in California that unified opposing elements. They made
law that seriously attacked the customs and the means of livelihood of
the Chinese:
Because Chinese needed the money to support
their families in China, they would take any job and work for less than
an American laborer. American workers couldn't compete with Chinese workers,
so they blamed them for their unemployment. "The political parties only
blamed the Chinese for holding down the wages and living standards of
American working men. They told the workers that the only way to improve
their lives was to stop the Chinese from working in California." (Mccunn,
pg. 75.) Moreover, they wanted the government to pass laws against the
Chinese coming to California. They even wanted all the Chinese out of
the United States. "Their slogans were "Chinese must go!" "yellow Peril,
and "Chinese Menace."" (Mccunn, 75.) The politicians also blamed the Chinese
for California's economic problems. Finally, in August of 1870, an anti-Chinese
convention held in California that unified opposing elements. They made
law that seriously attacked the customs and the means of livelihood of
the Chinese:
Sidewalk
Ordinance, 1870: "Prohibited persons from walking on the sidewalks
while using poles to carry goods." (Mccunn, 77.) Since only Chinese used
poles to carry merchandise, this ordinance was directed specifically against
them.
|
 |
 |