Hiring Workers

Hiring Workers

Claire Haley
Period 2


In 1850, a wave of Chinese immigration came through the US. They faced prejudiced, stereotypes, and mislead judgement. There were laws put in place to limit their rights, and no one would hire them. Railroads projects were becoming a huge industry, so the work load started increasing, and more workers were needed. So, they started hiring Chinese workers, who worked alongside their former Irish workers. The result was a pleasant surprise. They found that the Chinese were very hard-working, efficient, and well behaved. The "Celestials" (as what they were nicknamed) began to be harassed by the Irishmen, who felt threatened by their competition. But Crocker and Strobridge made it clear that the Chinese would be treated with respect or they would replace the Irish. After this, Chinese workers flooded the construction sites. However, despite their work ethic and willingness, the Chinese continued to have less pay than the Irishmen. Then one day, Crocker had so much confidence in his workers, that he decided to try for a record by laying 10 miles of track in one day. The project was a success, and Crocker and the workers were praised for their huge accomplishment.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/tcrr-cprr/