ASA Study Guide PDF

1. Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) - A coalition of student groups advocating for ethnic studies and racial justice - Formed in late 1960s - SFSU and UCB - Through protests and strikes, they demanded ethnic studies programs and greater representation of marginal...

1. Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) - A coalition of student groups advocating for ethnic studies and racial justice - Formed in late 1960s - SFSU and UCB - Through protests and strikes, they demanded ethnic studies programs and greater representation of marginalized groups in education - Aimed to address lack of curriculum on the history and experiences of people of color - Outcome: led to establishment of first Ethnic studies programs in US, influencing higher education nationwide 2.“Asian American” - Political and cultural identity that unites individuals of Asian descent in US - 1960s - Made to reject term “oriental” // seen as colonial and derogatory // shared identity for collective action - Outcome: central to AA civil rights movement // remains key part of identity politics and advocacy 3. Orientalism - Concept describing Western portrayal of Eastern cultures as exotic, backward and uncivilized 4. panethnicity - Grouping of multiple ethnic identities into single, broader category - Emerged in 20th century, esp in 1960s civil rights movement - Various Asian ethnic groups, such as Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino Americans → all Asian American - Outcome: helped marginalize groups gain visibility and political power // sometimes masks distinct cultural differences 5. family album history - Method of historical storytelling that uses personal and family photographs - Photos - “snapshots” of the past - Require context for meaning - Historical meaning is actively produced, not passively - discovered or uncovered - Narrative - Create story or narrative from “facts” or sources - Narrated or interpreted from a particular point of view - Detective vs. trial lawyer - Interpretation – credible and persuasive. No singular, - universal “truth” - Narratives as stories, storytelling 6. macro perspectives - Broad, large scale view of historical, economic or social phenomena - Used throughout historical analysis // particularly in 20th century - Examines overarching trends, systems, and structures affecting societies - Why: It helps to understand broader patterns and the impact of global forces - Outcome: Provides a framework for analyzing issues like globalization, capitalism, and colonialism. 7. expansion of Europe - Period of European exploration, colonization and imperialism - Primarily from 15th-20th centuries - Driven by economic interests, spread of Christianity and desire for politcal power - Outcome: led to exploitation of indigenous peoples, spread of European culture and formation of global economic system 8. world systems - Sociological theory that examines global economic systems as interconnected networks - Developed by Immanuel Wallerstein in the 1970s - Core and periphery countries - Imperialism - Why: to explain unequal development and power dynamics between different parts of world - Outcome: influences studies of globalization and imperialism, highlighting economic inequality 9. Treaty of Nanjing - Treaty that ended First Opium War between China and Britain - Signed in 1842 - Settlement: china forced to give up HK to Britain, open ports to British trade and grant extraterritorial rights to British citizens - Imposed after China’s defeat - Outcome: marked beginning of Century of Humiliation for China and increased foreign influence in Chinese affairs 10. credit ticket system - Method used by chinese immigrants to finance their journey to US - 19th century // CA Gold Rush - China to US - Chinese laborers borrowed money from brokers to pay for passage, agreeing to repay debt through labor upon arrival - Most immigrants could not afford high cost of travel so implemented - Outcome: led to exploitation and debt bondage for chinese immigrants 11. revolving door of migration  - Pattern of migration where immigrants temporarily work abroad before returning home - 19th - 20th centuries - Common among Asian migrants to US - seasonal/temporary labor contracts facilitated repeated cycles of migration - Driven by economic needs and restrictive immigration laws - Outcome: contributed to transnational flow of labor // often resulted in unstable living conditions for migrants 12. Meiji Restoration (1868) - Period of political, economic, and social reform in Japan // marked end of Tokugawa shogunate - New gov. modernized Japan’s economy, military and educational systems - Japan sought to avoid colonization by Western powers and to become a modern, competitive nation-state - Outcome: japan emerged as an industrialized world power, but rapid modernization also led to militarization and imperial expansion 13. Central Pacific Railroad - Major railroad line that was part of first transcontinental railroad in US - Constructed between 1863 - 1869 - CA through Sierra Nevada mountains - Employed thousands of chinese laborers under harsh and dangerous conditions to lay tracks - Built to connect eastern and western US, facilitating trade, migration and economic growth - Outcome: transformed American transportation // chinese workers faced discrimination and exploitation despite critical role 14. Chinese laundryman - Chinese immigrants who operated small laundry businesses // common occupation due to limited job opportunities - Late 19th - early 20th centuries - Required little startup capital and not restricted by anti-chiense labor laws - Excluded from other jobs due to racism, pushing chinese into niche industry - Outcome: Image of “Chinese laundryman” became a stereotype // laundries provided a path to economic survival and sometimes modest prosperity for Chinese immigrants 15. dekasegi period (1885-1907) - Period of temporary labor migration from Japan // workers intended to earn money abroad before returning home - Japanese men (mostly young and single) traveled abroad under labor contracts, typically in agriculture or low-wage jobs - Economic hardship in Japan and demand for cheap labor overseas drove this wave of migration  - Outcome: many Japanese migrants eventually settled permanently abroad → formation of Japanese immigrant communities despite initial plans to return home 16. Japanese “schoolboys” - Young Japanese men who worked as domestic helpers in exchange for education in US - Primarily in CA and other west coast states - Worked for American families as servants, using their wages to pay for their education - Program was seen as opportunity for upward mobility and way for Japanese students to learn Western skills and knowledge - Outcome: some gained valuable education // some faced exploitation // practice declined due to rising anti-Japanese sentiment and restrictive immigration laws 17. settler-permanent resident period (1908-1924) - Phase of Japanese immigration where families began to settle permanently in the US - Esp on west coast - Japanese immigrants (e.g. picture brides) established farming communities and small businesses, shifting from temp labor to perm settlement - Gentlemen’s agreement limited male labor migration → encouraged family unification and settlement - Outcome: growth of Japanese American communities led to increased nativist backlash and restrictive laws like 1924 immigration act which ended Japanese immigration 18. picture brides - Japanese and korean women who immigrated to US and Hawaii to marry immigrant men, based on exchanged photographs - Loophole in Gentlemen’s agreement - Mainland and Hawaii - Allowed men to start families and stabilize immigrant communities despite restrictive immigration policies - Outcome: contributed to growth of settled Japanese American communities but also intensified anti-Asian sentiment and led to stricter immigration controls 19. agricultural ladder - Concept describing progression of immigrant farmworkers from laborers to farm owners - Late 19th - early 20th centuries - Immigrants would save money, lease land and eventually buy own farms - Seen as path to economic mobility and stability for many immigrant families - Outcome: while some succeeded, racial discrimination and restrictive land laws like alien land laws often hindered this upward mobility 20. Japanese immigrant economy - Economic activities and enterprises developed by japanese immigrants in US - Late 19th to early 20th centuries  - Japanese immigrants engaged in farming, small businesses and service industries like gardening and fishing - Economic self-sufficiency crucial due to exclusion from many jobs and industries - Success of japanese businesses led to economic stability for some // heightened nativist hostility and discriminatory laws 21. Gentleman’s Agreement (1907-1908) - Informal agreement between US and Japan to limit Japanese immigration - Japan agreed to not issue passports to laborers going to US and US promised not to impose formal immigration restrictions - Why: rising anti-Japanese sentiment and labor competition concerns in US led to pressure for immigration controls - Outcome: reduced japanese immigration but encouraged family reunification // led to pressure for immigration controls 22. Ilocos province - Region in Philippines known for significant emigration, esp to Hawaii and US - Late 19th - early 20th centuries - Migrated as laborers, particularly plantation work in Hawaii - Why: economic hardship and limited agricultural opportunities pushed many to seek better lives - Outcome: Ilocano diaspora formed sig part of Filipino community in US, shaped labor and cultural history 23. pensionados - Filipino students sponsored by US gov to study in American schools and universities - Early 20th century - Aimed to train future Filipino leaders to support American colonial administration - Outcome: many returned to Philippines with Western education, influencing gov and institutions 24. The Mahele (1848) - Land division reform in Hawaii that privatized land ownership - Hawaiian monarchy divided communal lands into private parcels, available for sale to native Hawaiians and foreigners - Aimed to modernize land ownership and attract foreign investment - Outcome: led to loss of land for many native Hawaiians, facilitating American economic dominance 25. Bayonet Constitution (1887) - Constitution forced on King Kalakaua of Hawaii by American and European settlers - Imposed under threat of force by Hawaiian league, limiting king’s power and increasing foreign influence - Settles sought greater political control to protect their economic interests  - Outcome: weakened Hawaiian sovereignty, set precedent for US annexation of Hawaii 26. plantation paternalism - System where plantation owners justified control over workers by framing it as form of benevolent guardianship - 19th and early 20th centuries - Owners provided housing and limited services to workers but maintained strict control and low wages - Used to maintain stable, cheap labor force and suppress resistance - Outcome: system reinforced racial hierarchies and exploitation of immigrant labor 27. “shit” - Derogatory term used to dehumanize workers (particularly Asian laborers) by plantation owners and supervisors - Late 19th and early 20th centuries - Reflected racist and dismissive attitudes of employers towards non-white laborers - Part of the broader racial stereotyping of asian immigrants (often seen as inferior) 28. yamato damashii - Japanese term meaning “the spirit of Japan” emphasizing loyalty, courage and perseverance - Concept promoted through education, military training and cultural teachings - Used to foster national pride, resilience and unity, esp among Japanese immigrants who faced racial discrimination abroad - Outcome: became a source of cultural pride and identity, helping them cope with adversity 29. “local” identities - Development of unique cultural identities among mixed-ethnic populations, esp in Hawaii - Interactions between diverse groups (Native Hawaiians, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Portuguese) led to a distinct "local" culture with shared customs, language (pidgin), and values - As different immigrant groups settled in Hawaii, they adapted to each other’s cultures//formed hybrid identities distinct from their ancestral origins - Outcome: concept of being “local” became unifying identity for Hawaii’s multi-ethnic population// shaped social and cultural landscape 30. racial formation/ racialization - Process by which social, economic, and political forces create and define racial categories - Ongoing since establishment of racial hierarchies in colonial history - Served to justify inequality and maintain power structures based on perceived racial differences  - Outcome: led to systemic racism, influencing social dynamics, identity and policies even today 31. People vs. Hall (1854) - Legal case in CA that ruled that Chinese immigrants could not testify against white citizens in court - Testimony of a Chinese man who witnessed a murder by a white man was inadmissible - Decision rooted in racial prejudice and desire to maintain white supremacy in legal matters - Outcome: denied Chinese immigrants legal protection, reinforcing racial discrimination and inequality under the law 32. In re Ah Yup (1878) - Legal case in CA that ruled Chinese immigrants were not eligible for naturalization - Court argued Chinese individuals were not considered “white” under US naturalization laws, which restricted citizenship to “free white persons” - Based on racial exclusion laws and perception that Asians are fundamentally different from Europeans - Set precedent for denying Asian immigrants right to naturalize, contributing to legal and social exclusion 33. “coolie” - Derogatory term used to describe laborers from Asia (esp China and India) who worked under exploitative, contract based conditions - Worked under conditions similar to indentured servitude - Used to justify exploitation of Asian labor as cheap alternative to African slave labor after abolition - Outcome: became associated with racial stereotypes and exploitation of Asian workers → dehumanization 34. Oriental Problem - Term used in early 20th century to describe perceived “threat” of Asian immigration to Western societies - Reflected fears of cultural and economic competition from Asian immigrants - Outcome: led to exclusionary immigration laws, e.g. Chinese Exclusion Act (1882) and the Gentlemen’s Agreement (1907) 35. free labor - Concept of widespread use of cheap, exploited Asian immigrant labor, particularly Chinese laborers - In various industries like railroad construction, mining, and agriculture, often under harsh conditions - Limited rights, due to discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act, effectively making them a form of "free labor" for employers despite being technically "free" to work 36. The “indispensable enemy” - Concept describing how Asian immigrants were framed as economic and social threat towards white workers - Late 19th - 20th century - Particularly in west coast - Labor unions and political figures thought Asians undermined wages and job security for white workers - Strategy to build solidarity among white workers // justify exclusionary practices against Asian immigrants 37. “The Chinese Must Go!” - Popular slogan used during anti-Chinese movements in the US, advocating for expulsion of Chinese immigrants - 1870s - 1880s - Esp on west coast - Used by labor unions, politicians and white workers who thought of Chinese as threat - Economic anxieties/racial prejudice led many to blame Chinese immigrants for unemployment and economic downturns - Outcome: fueled widespread anti-Chinese sentiment // driving force behind exclusionary laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 38. 1875 Page Law - FIRST restrictive federal immigration law in US targeting Asian immigrants - Esp affected Chinese, Japanese and others from oriental countries - Barred entry of Chinese women, specifically targeting those suspected of being brought for prostitution - Motivated by racial and moral fears // many believed Asian women were linked to immorality - Outcome: effectively reduced number of Chinese women immigrating to US → gender imbalance in Chinese immigrant communities 39. 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act - US fed law that prohibited immigration of chinese laborers - Barred Chinese laborers from entering country // prevented Chinese immigrants already in US from naturalization - Economic competition and racial prejudice against chinese workers led to demands for exclusion - Outcome: first major law to restrict immigration based on race // set precedent for future exclusionary immigration policies - Not fully repealed until 1943 40. Alien Land Law (1913) - CA state law that prohibited Asian immigrants from owning land  - Targeted “aliens ineligible for citizenship” - Motivated by anti-Asian sentiment // fears of economic competition from successful Japanese farmers - Outcome: effectively barred Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese farmers, from purchasing or leasing land for more than 3 years // led to increased racism and economic hardship for Asian immigrants, many found ways around law by using American names 41. Ozawa v. U.S. (1922) - US Supreme Court case in which Takao Ozawa (Japanese immigrant) was denied citizenship because he was not considered “white” - Ozawa argued his skin color was white and that he assimilated into American culture but court ruled that only Caucasians were eligible for naturalization - Highlighted racial restrictions of 1790 Naturalization Act which limited citizenship to “free white persons” - Ruling reinforced racial barriers to citizenship, excluding Asians from naturalization until mid-20th century 42. 1790 Naturalization Act - First law establishing criteria for naturalized citizenship in US - Limited naturalization to “free white persons” of good character who had lived in US for at least 2 years - Reflected racial and social hierarchies, privileging European immigrants - Outcome: laid foundation for racialized citizenship laws, excluding non-white immigrants from naturalization for over a a century 43. 1924 Immigration Act - US federal law that restricted immigration by establishing national origin quotas - limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States - Favored immigrants from Western europe // barred nearly all Asian immigrants - Driven by nativist and racist attitudes // aimed to preserve racial and ethnic makeup of country - Outcome: severely limited immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia, shaping US immigration policy until reformation in 1965 44. 1917 Immigration Act - US law that imposed literacy tests and created “Asiatic Barred Zone,” excluding immigrants from Asia - Required immigrants over 16 to pass literacy test and banned immigrants from a designated area covering most of Asia - Act influenced by xenophobia and desire to limit influx of non-european immigrants - Outcome: marked sig expansion of US immigration restrictions and set precedent for further exclusionary laws 45. Sikhs - Members of religious community originating in Punjab region of India - They have been immigrating to the US since the late 19th century - Predominantly settled in CA // other parts of West coast - Many initially came as laborers, working on railroads, farms and in lumber mills - Sought economic opportunities // fled political instability and discrimination in British India - Despite racism and exclusionary laws, Sikh community became integral part of agricultural economy // descendants continue to contribute to American society 46. Thind v. U.S. (1923) - Supreme court case where Sikh immigrant was denied citizenship despite his argument that he’s Caucasian - Ruled that Thind, though “Caucasian,” was not “white” as understood by the common person - Decision based on desire to exclude South Asians from citizenship - Outcome: reinforced racial barriers to naturalization for Asian immigrants until the mid-20th century 47. U.S. nationals - Individuals who are not US citizens but owe permanent allegiance to US - Term established in early 20th century - Commonly applied to residents of US territories like American Samoa - Has some legal rights but cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain public offices - Status created to differentiate between citizens and residents of newly acquired territories - Created tiered system of belonging, often leaving nationals with fewer rights than citizens 48. benevolent assimilation - US policy aimed at assimilating Filipinos into American culture following Spanish-American war - Began in 1898 - Aimed to americanize education system, government, and cultural practices in Philippines - Aimed to justify colonial rule by portraying it as a civilizing mission - Outcome: led to resistance from Filipinos and contributed to the Philippine-American war 49. taxi dance halls - Social venues where male patrons paid to dance with women, often immigrants - Popular in 1920s and 1930s - Urban areas in the US, esp LA - Patrons bought dance tickets // paid women per dance // created space for social interaction among working-class immigrants - Provided escape from harsh realities of labor and offered women economic opportunities - Outcome: site of cultural exchange but faced moral backlash and legal scrutiny 50. Roldan v. L.A. County (1933) - CA course case challenging anti-miscegenation laws that prevented Filipino men from marrying white women - Argued Filipinos were classified as “Malay,” not “Mongolian,” and thus should not be barred by existing laws - Anti-miscegenation laws aimed to prevent interracial marriages to maintain “racial purity” - Outcome: concluded Roldan and Rogers' marriage was legal 51. Tydings-McDuffie Act (1934) - US fed law that promised Philippine independence and changed legal status of Filipinos in US - Provided 10 year transition period before granting full independence to Philippines - Reclassified Filipinos in the US as “aliens,” restricting their immigration and reducing their legal rights - Aimed to lessen colonial responsibilities while appeasing nativist sentiments that opposed Filipino immigration - Outcome: led to increased deportations of Filipinos and severely limited their immigration // Philippines gained independence in 1946 but act had long term impacts on Filipion communities in US 52. We are America! (Bulosan, p. 189) - Declaration of belonging and resistance from Carlos Bulosan's semi-autobiographical novel America Is in the Heart. - Published in 1946 - Bulosan’s writing emphasized shared struggles of marginalized groups // proclaimed collective identity as Americans despite racial and economic exclusion - Phrase reflects aspirations of immigrant communities who fought for recognition and equality in face of systemic racism - Outcome: became rallying cry for immigrant rights and highlighted contributions of Filipino Americans to US society 53. mobility in America is in the Heart - Theme of physical, social and economic mobility explored in Carlos Bulosan’s novel - Narration of his experiences as a Filipino immigrant moving from job to job, seeking better opportunities and sense of belonging - Pursuit of mobility represents broader immigrant struggle for the American Dream amid systemic barriers - Outcome: portrayal of mobility highlights harsh realities of discrimination and exploitation faced by Filipino laborers, challenging myth of American Dream 54. Wick Ho v. Hopkins (1886) - US Supreme court case that ruled discriminatory enforcement of laws - SF  - Yick Wo, a Chinese laundry owner, challenged SF ordinance that enforced in a racially discriminatory way against Chinese-owned laundries - Ordinance was used to target Chinese immigrants, reflecting widespread anti-Chinese sentiment - Outcome: even if a law is fair on its face, discriminatory enforcement violates the 14th Amendment // established important precedent for equal protection under the law 55. Civil Rights Act of 1870 - US fed law aimed at protecting voting rights of African Americans during reconstruction - Act prohibited racial discrimination in voting and allowed federal intervention to enforce these rights - Part of the Reconstruction efforts to secure civil rights for newly freed African Americans after the Civil War - Outcome: provided criminal penalties for those attempting to prevent African Americans from voting by using or threatening to use violence or engaging in other tactics 56. 14th Amendment - Granted citizenship and equal rights to formerly enslaved people and African Americans - Ratified in 1868 - Enacted during Reconstruction to secure rights for formerly enslaved individuals and address issues of inequality - Became cornerstone of civil rights // used to challenge racial segregation, gender discrimination, and other forms of unequal treatment in landmark cases like Brown v. Board of education 57.“Great Strike” of 1909 - Who: over 20,000 female garment workers in NYC (ILGWU) - Where: NYC - Lasted for 11 weeks - Outcome: improved wages, working conditions, hours for workers - Let to state laws that governed working conditions and worker safety for women and children 58. 1900 Organic Act - Established civilian governments in Puerto Rico and Hawaii - Outcome: Transferred Hawaii’s sovereignty to the US // officially established civil government in Territory of Hawaii 59. 1920 plantation strike - Labor strike by Filipino and Japanese plantation workers in Hawaii - Workers faced harsh conditions, low wages, and racial pay disparities between different ethnic groups  - Outcome: did not achieve all demands, marked first significant multi-ethnic labor action in Hawaii → ultimately led to improved conditions 60. Cannery Workers and Farm Laborers Union (CWFLU) - Labor union representing Filipino American cannery and agricultural workers on the West Coast - Established in 1930s - Based in Seattle//West of US - Fought for better wages, working conditions and against racism - Outcome: played sig role in advocating for labor rights, formed broader coalitions with other labor movements 61. Ghadar Party - Called for independence of India; dedicated to overthrowing British rule in India 62. Komagata Maru incident (1914) - Confrontation involving Japanese steamship Komagata Maru– carried Indian immigrants seeking entry into Canada - Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - Ship was denied entry under Canadian immigration laws - Continuous journey regulation - Effectively barred indian immigrants - Highlighted racial discrim. In Canadian immigration policy, targeting Asian immigrants - Outcome: passengers were forced to return to India, where some were arrested or killed - Became a symbol of resistance against colonial and racial injustice - Increased indian nationalist sentiments 63. “continuous journey” - Discriminatory Canadian immigration policy that required immigrants to arrive directly from their country of origin without any stops - 1908 - Designed to prevent immigratns from Asia, particularly India, from entering Canada // no direct steamship routes from India to Canada - Part of broader efforts to restrict Asian immigration due to racism - Outcome: - effectively barred Indian immigrants - Contributed to incidents like Komagatu Maru - Revoked in mid-20th century 64. 1919 Korean Congress - Gathering of Korean nationalists in US advocating for Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  - Korean representatives from across US gathered to support March 1st Movement (a significant anti-colonial protest in Korea) // to gain international support for Korean independence - Why? In response to Japan’s colonialism over Korea // inspired by global movements for self-determination following WW1 - Outcome: congress drew international attention to the Korean independence movement // helped establish network of Korean activists abroad (e.g. Syngman Rhee) 65. Syngman Rhee - Korean independent activist - First president of SK after Korea’s liberation from Japan - Prominent nationalist leader who advocated for Korean independence internationally (1919 Korean Congress) - Driven by desire to free Korea from Japanese colonial rule // establish sovereign, democratic nation