About the book
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred practically all
Chinese from American shores for ten years, was the first federal
law that banned a group of immigrants solely on the basis of race
or nationality. By changing America’s traditional policy of open
immigration, this landmark legislation set a precedent for future
restrictions against Asian immigrants in the early 1900s and
against Europeans in the 1920s.
Tracing the origins of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Andrew
Gyory presents a bold new interpretation of American politics
during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Rather than directly
confront such divisive problems as class conflict, economic
depression, and rising unemployment, he contends, politicians
sought a safe, nonideological solution to the nation’s industrial
crisis — and latched onto Chinese exclusion. Ignoring workers'
demands for an end simply to imported contract labor, they
claimed instead that working people would be better off if there
were no Chinese immigrants. By playing the race card, Gyory
argues, national politicians — not California, not organized
labor, and not a general racist atmosphere — provided the motive
force behind the era’s most racist legislation.
Editions of Closing the Gate
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807824320
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807847398
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807866757
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890867773
Read an Excerpt
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred practically all
Chinese from American shores for ten years, was the first federal
law that banned a group of immigrants solely on the basis of race
or nationality. By changing America’s traditional policy of open
immigration, this landmark legislation set a precedent for future
restrictions against Asian immigrants in the early 1900s and
against Europeans in the 1920s.
Tracing the origins of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Andrew
Gyory presents a bold new interpretation of American politics
during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Rather than directly
confront such divisive problems as class conflict, economic
depression, and rising unemployment, he contends, politicians
sought a safe, nonideological solution to the nation’s industrial
crisis — and latched onto Chinese exclusion. Ignoring workers'
demands for an end simply to imported contract labor, they
claimed instead that working people would be better off if there
were no Chinese immigrants. By playing the race card, Gyory
argues, national politicians — not California, not organized
labor, and not a general racist atmosphere — provided the motive
force behind the era’s most racist legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Closing the Gate about?
The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which barred practically all
Chinese from American shores for ten years, was the first federal
law that banned a group of immigrants solely on the basis of race
or nationality. By changing America’s traditional policy of open
immigration, this landmark legislation set a precedent for future
restrictions against Asian immigrants in the early 1900s and
against Europeans in the 1920s.
Tracing the origins of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Andrew
Gyory presents a bold new interpretation of American politics
during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. Rather than directly
confront such divisive problems as class conflict, economic
depression, and rising unemployment, he contends, politicians
sought a safe, nonideological solution to the nation’s industrial
crisis — and latched onto Chinese exclusion. Ignoring workers'
demands for an end simply to imported contract labor, they
claimed instead that working people would be better off if there
were no Chinese immigrants. By playing the race card, Gyory
argues, national politicians — not California, not organized
labor, and not a general racist atmosphere — provided the motive
force behind the era’s most racist legislation.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Closing the Gate?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Closing the Gate?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807824320
How long is Closing the Gate and how many pages does it have?
Closing the Gate has 368 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Closing the Gate?
Andrew Gyory
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Closing the Gate is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807824320) and paperback(ISBN 9780807847398) and ebook(ISBN 9780807866757) and ebook(ISBN 9798890867773)
Where can I buy Closing the Gate online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Closing the Gate from below
Where can I buy Closing the Gate?