Asian Immigration By Isabelle Qian

Who,When and Why A major amount of Chinese came to Seattle between Most Chinese came because of the gold discovered here. That was the beginning of Asian Immigration to America. In 1868 Japanese started coming to Seattle. Most of them left Japan because of poor economic conditions and political reasons. By 1880, 148 Japanese lived in the mainland. In 1990 there were 2,039, and one year later there 250 Japanese in Seattle. By 1910 there were 72,157 Japanese in mainland.

Where Chinese came from Guangdong and Fujian in South East China. When they came to Seattle they settled in places we know today such as 1 st Ave, Yesler Way, Pioneer Square and China town. Where did the Japanese come from ? Ha, I can read minds.Most Japanese came from Hiroshima, Okayama and Yamaguchi. They moved in next to China Town, making Japan Town.

How they were treated Chinese Immigrants were treated very badly because as they came to Seattle they took lots of jobs. Soon there weren’t enough jobs for Americans. People burned the Chinese’s houses and had them work longer, and for less money than Americans. Chinese were forced to leave Seattle. On 9/2/1885, 28 Chinese were murdered and more than 500 were driven out of town. On 9/5/1885 some Americans ambushed a camp with 35 Chinese sleeping there. A few miles away 3 Chinese were killed and 3 injured. “In 1877 Washington S.T was Chinese H.Q”, says Clarence. “ On that street there were 27 Chinese in about half a block. During any alarm of fire they would pour out like rats from a burning house.” After awhile no Chinese were aloud to come to Seattle unless they had family here or they were diplomats or merchants.

What Chinese and Japanese worked hard for a living. They owned restaurants and stores. Many went to the Klondike gold rush and almost all were work men. During World War 2 Japan town was sold when the Japanese in Seattle were forced to go to Camp Harmony. The Chinese and Japanese did so much to help their new home Seattle.

Bibliography Chin, Doug. Seattle International District. Print. Historylink.org. Web. M.O.H.I