Far across the sea on the other side of the world, China was in turmoil. The years 1839 to 1842 saw the First Opium War where the British forcibly opened trade with China at the point of a cannon. The resulting unequal …show more content…
They were lauded for their hardwork and dedication to making a living, no matter how hard working conditions were. California was in despreate need of able bodies and strong will, and the Chinese men filled that role without complaint. But, as seems to happen so often in history, prejudice and greed once again raised its ugly voice. As a result, the hardworking and once admired men became the “enemy” of men who felt the color of their skin madethem superior and more entitled. If the Gold Rush never happened, the harsh and unfair pressure of racism may not have oppressed the hard working Chinese immigrants and condemned so many of them to a harsh life of poverty and ill