Thousands of Chinese immigrants worked on the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860's. The money earned in America was ten times more than what they could earn in China at the time. Following the completion of the railroad most Chinese immigrants went to work for coal mining companies. They were willing to work for lower wages than other miners, which fueled the anger between themselves and white miners. On the morning of September 2nd, 1885 approximately 125 armed white miners viciously attacked the Chinese residents of Rock Springs Wyoming. Chinese men were dragged from their homes and beaten while others were shot on site. After the Chinese were gone the homes left standing were looted. According to Britannica.org 28 Chinese immigrants died and 15 were injured. Hundreds of Chinese miners were forced to abandon their homes and resettle.
Teaching Tip: Compare the Tulsa Race Riot to the Rock Springs Massacre. It is a lesson worth discussing.
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