Final answer:
Chinese immigrants on the West Coast faced violence and discrimination in the late 19th century due to economic competition and racial prejudice. They were accused of stealing jobs and lowering wages, which led to the formation of discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Despite these challenges, the Chinese community formed support networks and social centers to aid one another.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chinese immigrants on the West Coast of the United States in the 1870s and 1880s faced severe discrimination and violence. This was a consequence of their willingness to work for lower wages, which put pressure on wages for all workers, leading to economic tension and accusations against Chinese workers. The fears of an 'Asiatic plague' harming commercial growth and the belief that these immigrants burdened society fueled this hostility. Furthermore, 'anti-coolie clubs' were formed by White Americans who organized boycotts and lobbied for anti-Chinese laws. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a landmark piece of legislation that legally barred further immigration on the basis of race or ethnicity, exacerbating the discrimination against Chinese laborers. Within the Chinese community, there was an effort to band together to create support networks through social and cultural centers, and many Chinese citizens remained resilient despite the prohibitions and violence, forming benevolent associations to aid each other. Ultimately, these oppressive actions stemmed from a mix of economic concerns and the socially constructed racial hierarchy, leading to a unified stance among various groups on the West Coast against Asian immigrants. The harsh realities of discrimination were codified into law, with statutes like the California constitution of 1879 and federal laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, severely restricting the rights and opportunities of Chinese laborers in America.