Module 1: Asian-Americans Before World War II

Asian-Americans Before World War II

Before World War II, Asian Americans, particularly those of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino descent, faced significant racial discrimination and exclusion, which severely limited their opportunities in many areas of life. Many Asian immigrants who had come to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were barred from owning land or property due to restrictive laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and other racially discriminatory policies. As a result, many Asian Americans turned to small businesses as a means of economic survival. Chinese immigrants, for example, became known for owning laundries, grocery stores, and restaurants, often in urban areas like California’s San Francisco and Los Angeles. Similarly, Japanese Americans found work in similar small businesses, such as farming, laundries, and produce stores. Despite the economic success some found in these areas, they were still subject to racial prejudice, which restricted their social mobility and political rights.

In California, where much of the Asian-American population was concentrated, hostility and discrimination toward Asian immigrants were especially pronounced. Anti-Asian sentiment was widespread, and Asian Americans were often targeted by exclusionary laws, such as those preventing them from becoming U.S. citizens or owning land. Local communities and businesses in California were frequently hostile to Asian immigrants, with many experiencing racial violence and legal barriers to full participation in society. These barriers to integration and the limited economic opportunities for Asian Americans contributed to their marginalization. Nonetheless, many Asian American families were able to thrive within the confines of their communities, where they built a strong sense of identity and solidarity, even in the face of adversity and legal discrimination. Their perseverance through these challenging conditions set the stage for future civil rights struggles and the eventual push for greater inclusion during and after World War II.