Golden Opportunities - The Contribution and Developments of the Chinese in Early North America

This book covers a general review of the historical background of the people from the Pearl River Delta Region of Guangdong Province in southern China. When China lost the the Opium War in 1852, the disastrous defeat caused an economic decline. The survivors had no hope for a fast recovery based on the loss of control by the ruling monarchy to the foreign traders. Fortunately, within half of a decade the California Gold Rush was major world news. The underemployed male survivors saw an opportunity to head for the California gold fields. It was a prudent decision made by the men to save their families from perishing. Also, there was a customary benefit society for funding to finance their immigration from China to North America.

The male immigrant gold miners distinguished themselves by being skillful and diligent. Jealousy by the non-Asian co-workers led to an eviction of the Chinese from the gold fields. However, their skills had been recognized by the observant railway contractors and the Chinese became employed for the construction of the US transcontinental railroad project. The Chinese workers also moved on afterwards to build the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada.\

Upon completing the railroads, the workers and their cohorts entered into the service industries of laundries, restaurants, groceries and farming sections. It was apparent at that time the economy in China was not recovering and it was prudent to stay working in North America. These service industries expanded quickly to initiate a mass recruitment of males and re-unification with their homeland families.

By the mid 1900s, the worker population had increased substantially plus the new generations of western educated members to continue contributing to the growing North American economy. The North American Chinese offer of diligence and financial contribution helped to save North America from the European dictatorial advances in World War II. The Chinese Exclusion Acts were rescinded when the governments of the USA and Canada recognized the contributions made by the Chinese, and gave them equal rights.

This unique saga leaves a legacy warranting continual recognition for all present and future generations.