Chapter 8

Chinese…

The Chinese are considered to be the first immigrants to the United States from Asia. Chinese were seen as sojourners for many reasons. Even if they wanted to stay, they were not eligible for citizenship.  In addition, the Chinese had stable government and had no strong reasons from returning back to their home country.  When the Chinese came to America they left their family in China. This means that they did not intend to stay. The Chinese were so focused on keeping the family together. They often migrate together. Religion was not a top priority for the Chinese, but family was. They converted to Christianity after they came to the US. The chapter also discusses the paper sons. In 1906, San Francisco was het by an earth quick, and fire destroyed all the public records. From that fire, many Chinese claimed that they were born in San Francisco. With this citizenship, the father claimed citizenships for his offspring born in China.

Japanese….

The Japanese also were not eligible for citizenship. They are also considered to be sojourners. The Japanese had higher birth rate then the Chinese.  When they first came they settled in Northern California, but later on they moved to Los Angeles. There was a lot of racism toward the Japanese. They were very skilled in agriculture, so they contributed to the agriculture industry in California.  The Japanese government was involved in the immigration. They pushed their people to stimulate in the American culture. Since the Japanese could not get the US citizenship, they were representing Japan. The political relationship between Japan and US was stable. In 1907, there was an informal agreement, the gentlemen’s agreement, between the United Sates and Japan. According to the agreement, the United States would not impose restrictions on the Japanese immigrants and Japan would not allow additional immigration to the States. The main purpose of the agreement is to reduce tension between the two nations.  The agreement was never approved by the congress, and it ended in 1924. 

Questions:

·      What is the paper sons?

·      Why did scholars consider the Chinese and Japanese immigrants sojourners?

·      Why was the Japanese government involve in the Japanese emigrants, and making it hard on the Japanese to leave?  

·      Please define the gentleman agreement?