A History of Chinese and Mexican Americans in California - Essay Example

Most Chinese immigration worked in the building of roads as they offered cheap labor, unlike the native whites who were expensive to employ. They also worked in mining industries that were in need of a cheap labor force. According to Garcia (2011), the other minority group is the Mexican Americans who also started settling in the United States during the early 19th Century, mostly as agricultural laborers.

Most Chinese who immigrated into America settled in the state of California. They came through ships in search of greener pastures for their families back home. However, all was not rosy for them as they encountered anger and racism. Most people were against their settlement, and the fact that they offered cheap labor made them preferred by industry owners over native whites. Takaki (2008) says that their settlement in California was due to the presence of a significant number of industries, especially gold mining industries. The first Chinese arrived in the mid-1920s; after which many others would follow later. They targeted the era of the gold rush in California where a lot of gold was being mined thus there were employment opportunities.

The history of Mexican Americans is somehow different. In 1846, the United States invaded and occupied California that was until then part of the Republic of Mexico. This made most of the Mexicans living there as at the time be Americans. However, other immigrants also started moving into this area thus surging the Mexican population. The Mexican Americans just like the Chinese Americans were also subjected to racial and tribal discrimination, especially from the whites. The tension between them culminated in wars between the two countries. Carrigan (2003) acknowledges that the United States and the Republic of Mexico engaged in a series of wars from the 18th century through to the 19th century.

Chinese population went through a rough time during their early days in California. Laws were created meant to segregate them from the whites. They were not allowed to marry whites, and at one time their immigration to the United States was banned. Even those already in the country were ineligible for citizenship. Takaki (2008) says that the Chinese then started settling together which led to the development of china towns. They would settle near each other and so they lived in unity. At first, women were reluctant to move but they eventually started moving and thus the population was swelling. Some intermarried with other people from other races. They would move on to form organizations in order to bind themselves together and protect their welfare.

The Mexicans also had their share of racism from the inhabitants; they were always involved in constant quarrels that later culminated in wars between the two countries. The locals in Los Angeles were not also living in peace. In 1943, there was a riot by navy sailors stationed at the Naval Reserve Training School in Los Angeles. According to Carrigan (2003), the young men from the navy attacked the neighborhood, which comprised mainly of Mexican Americans. They engaged in stripping of suits mainly worn by Mexican Americans. This action did not go well with a majority of youths in this area. Consequently, they grouped and fought back leading to unprecedented damages. The fighting continued till the army and navy commanders took it upon themselves and calmed down the young sailors.

In the process of constant quarrels and ethnic fights, the media were blamed for fueling racism. Activists from both sides blamed the media for blowing things out of proportion; hence leading to a standoff. This hatred could be felt everywhere within the streets of Los Angeles. Racial abuses became part of the norm and constant violence between the navy and locals predominantly Mexican Americans. According to Carrigan (2003), during the 1900s Mexican Americans, though classified as whites by law did not enjoy the facilities of other whites. They were not allowed to settle into areas of white settlement. In addition, they were denied the right of enjoying social amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants and even movie theatres.

The Chinese also endured a rough time though they were allies with the United States during the First World War. With respect to their productivity and dexterity in labor, Chinese workers were so industrious; hence most employers preferred them as they offered cheap labor. However, they encountered violence just like their other minority groups. It was only their unity and strength that helped them move through tough times. According to Takaki (2008), they formed unions that advocated for their rights. In the process, they developed a substantial desire for equal treatment by all people. They also engaged in fishing activities and founded a fishing economy.

In conclusion, we can acknowledge that these two minority groups had tough times in California between the periods of 1750 to 1945. Mexicans settled in California, thus leading to the growth of neighborhoods that consisted mainly of Mexican Americans.  Chinese also settled in groups leading to the growth of china towns. However, they intermarried over the years with other groups present; hence making them somehow disintegrate. Despite this happening, the majority of Chinese and Mexicans can still be spotted today in California, especially in Los Angeles.