Final answer:
Mrs. S. L. Baldwin considered Chinese immigration problematic due to fears of economic competition, lack of cultural assimilation, and potential political influence; these concerns were reflective of broader racial prejudices in America at the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mrs. S. L. Baldwin held negative views on Chinese immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries, which were reflected in American society at the time. Some of these views include:
- Economic competition: There was a widespread fear that Chinese immigrants would compete with American workers for jobs, which was exacerbated by the willingness of Chinese workers to accept lower wages. This led to tensions and the formation of groups like the California Working Men's Party, who lobbied aggressively against Asian immigration, blaming it for wage suppression and job scarcity.
- Cultural assimilation: Unlike many European immigrants, Chinese immigrants sought to retain their language and customs, which led to fears that they would not assimilate into American culture. This lack of assimilation was concerning to some Americans who valued cultural homogeneity.
- Political influence: The presence of a growing immigrant population sparked concerns about the potential political influence this group might exert, which some feared could run counter to American democratic principles.
These fallacies fell within a broader context of racial prejudice and fears of a so-called "Asiatic plague" that would damage American commerce and society. Although many Chinese immigrants were self-supporting and contributed to the economy, discriminatory laws and policies were enacted to limit their presence and rights in the United States.