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Period: to
Timeline
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Taiping Rebellion*
Back in April of 1863, my father, a Chinese government official, was killed in a mob of the Taiping Chinese rebellion. My mother finally cracked under the pressure of my fathers' death and ran.Luckily, before she left, she made a big deal about the new free country of America. now, I have decided to go to America to find my mother. Also, I'm hoping to get a good job while I'm there, I haven't been able to get one in China ever since the Chinese Taiping Rebellion. -
Arrival
My ship finally arrived at Ellis Island. I wish that I could've taken the short cut through Angel Island, but my neighbors bought me a free ticket, and I can't turn that down. The boat ride took several weeks, and I got very boat sick on our last days at sea. They held me captive at the Ellis Island treatment centers for four days, before I got over my sickness. Now I am released but jobs are overcrowded and impossible to get, I recently got a job at the steel industry, but I doubt it will last. -
Riot in China Town*
I just got home from work when I saw a riot happening down my street. My 1 bedroom home was torn apart, and my father’s robe that I brought to America is gone. Once, I thought this life was a miracle, but seeing the Americans and Chinese fight on the street really brings you back to reality. My job was taken away after the riot, peoples' opinions have changed. And I don't know how I will make it through the winter. I am thinking about moving West, I no longer think my mother is in the area. -
New Life in the West
Only two years ago I moved west, now that seems like a different life time. I moved here looking for a job that could involve my sewing skills, and I got a job mending for missionaries. There is much less crime and discrimination here so far, yet numbers are growing. After getting involved with the missionaries for quite some time, I am now engaged to the most wonderful man, a missionary named John. And the best part about my new life in the west, is that my job comes with a fair living space. -
Spreading disease
Earlier this winter, my three year old son Peter caught Cholera. At first John thought it was nothing, and I believed him, but now he is terribly ill, he doesn't even want to eat. Recently, John and I saved up the money to bring in a doctor to take a look at him, and he has a strong case of Cholera. Even the doctor wasn't sure if a cure existed, but he assures us that the sickness is breaking out everywhere and a cure in the East could be coming soon. I sure hope he's right. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act*
May 6, 1882, the United states passed the Chinese exclusion act. Even after just three weeks, many things have already started to change. The Chinese exclusion act not only keeps Chinese immigrants from entering the states, but makes it nearly impossible to exit. Also, prices for shipping to China aren't reasonable anymore, so I haven't been able to contact home. Lastly, there is growing discrimination against the Chinese, only getting worse, and Peter struggles with bullying at school.
