CHINESE IMMIGRATION
AND ITS INFLUENCE ON
TEXAS
Presented by
Your Teacher
©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 The Chinese Exclusion Act was repealed in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/countymap/texas.shtml
• No date included
• Map created by – Your Teacher
El Paso
Legend:
Places Chinese
Immigrants Settled
©2012, TESCCC
Austin
Houston
MAP OF CHINESE IMMIGRATION
• Many first settled in the El
Paso area as
sharecroppers and farm
laborers
El Paso
• Then they settled in the
Austin and Houston
areas
©2012, TESCCC
Austin
Houston
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