Presented by

Your Teacher

CHINESE IMMIGRATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON

TEXAS

©2012, TESCCC Grade 7 Unit 9, Lesson 2

CHINESE IMMIGRATION – 5 FACTS

1. The Chinese immigrated to Texas during the 19th century and contributed to the growth of Texas.

2. Most Chinese immigrants came to Texas from California.

©2012, TESCCC

CHINESE IMMIGRATION – 5 FACTS

3. The Chinese Exclusion Act, however, limited immigration from China for 6 decades.

4. The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in 1943.

5. As a result, the Chinese population in Texas boomed from 710 in 1882 to 25,461 by 1980.

©2012, TESCCC

WHY DID CHINESE IMMIGRANTS SETTLE IN TEXAS – 3 REASONS

• Many Chinese immigrants had previously been peasants arriving in United States to serve as laborers, such as railroad workers.

• Chinese immigrants also came to Texas to work as sharecroppers and farm laborers.

• A main reason for Chinese immigration was to earn money for families back home, with the intent to go back to China eventually.

©2012, TESCCC

WHY DID THE CHINESE COME TO TEXAS?

• Many remain in Texas to opening small businesses and work the land.

©2012, TESCCC

MAP OF CHINESE IMMIGRATION• Map from http://geology.com/county-

map/texas.shtml • No date included• Map created by – Your Teacher

AustinHouston

El Paso

Legend:Places Chinese

Immigrants Settled

©2012, TESCCC

MAP OF CHINESE IMMIGRATION• Many first settled in the El

Paso area as sharecroppers and farm laborers

• Then they settled in the Austin and Houston areas

AustinHouston

El Paso

©2012, TESCCC

IMPACT ON COTTON, CATTLE, AND RAILROAD• Chinese immigrants helped to expand the railroad

across Texas, which helped farmers and ranchers get their products to market.

• Additionally, immigrants helped to plant and harvest agricultural crops.

• New businesses contributed to the urbanization of Texas cities and town.

©2012, TESCCC

CHINESE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND CELEBRATIONS

• In many U.S. urban areas, Chinese immigrants have gathered and established communities together often referred to as “Chinatown.”

• Introduces new of foods and a different type of cuisine.

• Traditional celebration including observing the Chinese (lunar) New Year.

©2012, TESCCC

CHINESE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND CELEBRATIONS

• Chinese culture has traditionally tended to emphasize family solidarity and the high value of education.

• Chinese immigrants continue to pass knowledge and traditions of the Chinese languages and culture to the American-born generation.

©2012, TESCCC

OVERALL EFFECT

• Chinese immigration contributed to growth of the railroad, agriculture, and small business.

• Chinese immigrants flourish today in may ways including owning businesses, training and working as professionals.

• Chinese immigration contributes to the economy and unique Texas culture.©2012, TESCCC