3 Questions
What was the reason why the passengers of the steamer Belgic were not allowed to land in San Francisco?
There was a cholera epidemic in the Far East
Why did the administration impede the entry of Chinese coolies?
They were afraid of losing votes from whites in California
Who among the passengers were allowed to land after a week of quarantine?
First-class passengers
Study Notes
- On April 28, 1888, the steamer Belgic docked at San Francisco.
- All passengers were not allowed to land due to alleged cholera epidemic in the Far East.
- The ship was carrying 643 Chinese coolies.
- Public opinion at that time was against cheap coolie labor from China.
- The administration impeded the entry of Chinese coolies to win the votes of whites in California for the upcoming election.
- 700 bales of valuable Chinese silk were landed without fumigation.
- Ship doctor went ashore without protest from health officers.
- Customs employees ate several times on board the supposedly cholera-infested ship.
- First-class passengers were allowed to land after a week of quarantine.
- Second and third-class passengers were forced to remain on board for a longer quarantine period.
Test your knowledge on the controversial events that took place when the steamer Belgic docked at San Francisco in 1888. Explore the alleged cholera epidemic, the 643 Chinese coolies on board, and the political motivations behind the decision to prevent their landing. Learn about the valuable Chinese silk that was landed without fumigation, the actions of the ship doctor and customs employees, and the differing quarantine periods for first-class and second/third-class passengers. Take the quiz now to see how
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
