Essay On The First Opium War

The time after the Civil War during America's expansion to the west was a time of great change and opportunity. But it was also difficult, challenging, and painful for many who came to seek a new life or opportunity. Through rebellion, secession, war, and expansion, the citizens of this new and still growing nation began to acknowledge the plights and unfairness to segregated groups. A war had been fought over the plight of one group of oppressed people. But change comes slowly, and other non white groups still faced everyday exploitation and prejudice as they fought to carve a place for themselves. Like the newly emancipated black population and the Native American tribes, the Chinese were another group that suffered during this time. But unlike those groups, most of the Chinese who came to these wild and untamed shores came willingly. Fleeing corruption, violence, and war in their homeland, with the promise of a better life and the hope of riches, men and women from China flocked to the new world.

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