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Intro to Asian American History
Table of Contents
Unit 1 Overview: Early Asian Immigration to America (1840s-1924)
1.1 Chinese immigration and the Gold Rush
1.2 Japanese and Korean immigration
1.3 South Asian immigration and labor
1.4 Filipino immigration and colonial ties

The U.S. acquired the Philippines in 1898, implementing "benevolent assimilation" policies and sparking Filipino migration to America. This unique colonial relationship allowed Filipinos to move freely between countries as U.S. nationals, shaping their complex sense of belonging and exclusion.

Filipino immigrants, mainly young men, played a crucial role in developing the agricultural industry, facing harsh conditions and discrimination. They formed labor unions and community organizations, contributing to a distinct Filipino American culture while navigating the tensions between assimilation and cultural preservation.

Philippines as a U.S. Colony

Colonial Transition and Policies

  • U.S. acquired the Philippines in 1898 after the Spanish-American War ended 300+ years of Spanish rule
  • Implemented "benevolent assimilation" policies established American-style education and promoted English instruction
  • Philippine-American War (1899-1902) resulted in significant Filipino casualties shaped complex U.S.-Philippines relations
  • Jones Act of 1916 promised eventual independence initiated "Filipinization" of colonial government
  • Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 provided for Philippine independence after 10-year transition reclassified Filipinos as "aliens" in U.S. limited immigration

Impact on Filipino Migration

  • U.S. colonial rule created economic ties and labor demands facilitated Filipino migration to America (Hawaii and West Coast)
  • Unique immigration patterns emerged Filipinos classified as U.S. nationals (neither citizens nor aliens) until 1934 allowed relatively free movement between countries
  • Colonial relationship fostered complex sense of belonging and exclusion for Filipino immigrants U.S. nationals but not citizens until 1946
  • U.S. military presence in Philippines contributed to formation of Filipino American communities near U.S. military installations

Filipino Immigration in Agriculture

Agricultural Labor and Working Conditions

  • First significant wave of Filipino immigration occurred in early 20th century primarily young, single men recruited for agricultural labor
  • Filipino workers ("Manongs") played crucial role in agricultural industry development (Hawaii and California's Central Valley)
  • Faced harsh working conditions low wages racial discrimination in agricultural sector
  • Formation of Filipino labor unions (Filipino Labor Union, Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee) represented efforts to improve conditions fight exploitation
  • Key participants in significant labor movements (Delano Grape Strike of 1965, led by Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz)

Social Challenges and Community Formation

  • Anti-miscegenation laws and social prejudices limited Filipino immigrants' ability to marry and start families led to creation of bachelor societies
  • Experiences of Filipino agricultural workers contributed to development of distinct Filipino American culture and community in rural and urban areas
  • Filipino American community organizations (mutual aid societies, cultural associations) emerged as important sites for identity formation and cultural preservation

U.S. Colonialism and Filipino Identity

Cultural and Educational Influences

  • U.S. colonial education policies in Philippines created generation familiar with American culture and English language influenced adaptation to U.S. life
  • Filipino American identity shaped by tension between assimilation pressures and desire to maintain cultural traditions and connections to Philippines
  • Concept of "colonial mentality" emerged as critical framework for understanding psychological impact of colonialism on Filipino American identity and self-perception

Transnational Connections

  • Colonial relationship influenced development of transnational families and communities ongoing connections between Philippines and Filipino American populations
  • U.S. colonial rule created economic ties and labor demands facilitated Filipino migration to America (Hawaii and West Coast)
  • Unique immigration patterns emerged Filipinos classified as U.S. nationals (neither citizens nor aliens) until 1934 allowed relatively free movement between countries

Challenges for Filipino Immigrants

Discrimination and Economic Barriers

  • Encountered widespread racial discrimination (violence, exclusion from neighborhoods, schools, public spaces)
  • Faced employment discrimination wage disparities limited opportunities for advancement particularly in early waves of immigration
  • Reclassification as aliens under Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934 created legal barriers and insecurity for Filipino immigrants already in U.S.
  • Intersectionality of race, class, and gender created unique challenges for Filipino immigrant women often worked in domestic service or healthcare sectors

Political and Cultural Challenges

  • Faced political disenfranchisement limited representation in local and national politics for much of 20th century
  • Struggled with issues of cultural identity and intergenerational conflict as subsequent generations became more assimilated into American society
  • Civil Rights Movement and Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 opened new opportunities also presented challenges in redefining community identity and political engagement

Key Terms to Review (16)

Baldomero Aguinaldo: Baldomero Aguinaldo was a prominent Filipino general during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule and later during the Philippine-American War. He is best known for his role as a military leader who fought for Philippine independence, representing the struggles of Filipinos during a period of significant upheaval marked by immigration and colonial ties, particularly in relation to American imperialism.
Filipino cuisine: Filipino cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that reflects the history and cultural influences of the Philippines, characterized by a fusion of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. This cuisine showcases indigenous ingredients alongside influences from Spanish, Chinese, American, and other cultures, highlighting the impact of colonialism and migration on food practices.
Circular migration: Circular migration refers to the process where individuals move back and forth between their home country and another country for work or other opportunities. This pattern of movement allows migrants to maintain connections with their homeland while also contributing economically to both their origin and destination countries. In the context of Filipino immigration, circular migration has been significantly influenced by colonial ties, as historical and socio-economic factors encourage this repetitive movement.
Filipino American Literature: Filipino American literature refers to the body of literary works produced by Filipino Americans that express their cultural experiences, identity, and struggles within the context of American society. This literature often reflects themes of immigration, colonial history, and the search for belonging, weaving together personal narratives with broader social and historical issues that resonate with both Filipino and American audiences.
Remittances: Remittances are the funds that immigrants send back to their home countries, often to support family members or contribute to local economies. This financial flow is a vital lifeline for many households in developing countries, significantly impacting their economies and social structures. The act of sending remittances reflects the connections between immigrants and their home nations, often tied to historical and colonial relationships that shaped migration patterns.
Colonial Mentality: Colonial mentality refers to the internalized attitude of ethnic or cultural inferiority among individuals in colonized societies, often leading to a preference for the culture and practices of the colonizers over their own. This mindset is particularly evident in former colonies, where individuals may devalue their own cultural identity and heritage while idolizing the standards and lifestyles imposed by colonial powers, creating a lasting impact on identity and self-perception.
José Rizal: José Rizal was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary leader during the late 19th century, known for his writings that inspired the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. His most famous works, such as 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo,' highlighted the social injustices faced by Filipinos under colonial oppression, making him a symbol of Philippine nationalism and identity.
Filipino American Civil Rights Movement: The Filipino American Civil Rights Movement was a social and political effort during the 1960s and 1970s aimed at addressing discrimination and advocating for the rights of Filipino Americans. This movement emerged from a long history of colonial ties between the Philippines and the United States, as well as the challenges faced by Filipino immigrants in their pursuit of equality and justice. It sought to empower Filipino communities, confront racial injustices, and promote cultural pride while drawing attention to the socio-economic conditions affecting their lives.
Delano Grape Strike: The Delano Grape Strike was a major labor strike that began in 1965, initiated by Filipino grape pickers in Delano, California, demanding better working conditions and wages. This significant movement not only highlighted the struggles of farmworkers but also marked a pivotal moment in the broader fight for labor rights and social justice within the Filipino community, intertwined with their colonial ties to the United States.
Filipino Repatriation Act: The Filipino Repatriation Act, passed in 1935, was a U.S. law that provided for the voluntary return of Filipinos to the Philippines. This act emerged from a backdrop of growing anti-Filipino sentiment and economic challenges during the Great Depression, prompting many Filipinos who had immigrated to the U.S. to reconsider their status and options. It facilitated the repatriation process, enabling those who wished to return home to do so under certain conditions.
Neocolonialism: Neocolonialism refers to the practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control or influence a country, typically former colonies, without direct military or political governance. This concept is particularly significant in understanding how power dynamics and colonial legacies continue to shape the relationships between developed nations and developing countries, especially in terms of immigration and labor patterns.
1946 Philippine Independence Act: The 1946 Philippine Independence Act, also known as the Tydings-McDuffie Act, was a significant piece of legislation that established the Philippines as an independent nation after being a U.S. territory since the Spanish-American War. This act laid out the transition to independence and marked the end of American colonial rule, while also maintaining certain economic and military ties between the two countries. The act is pivotal in understanding the broader context of Filipino immigration and colonial ties, as it shaped the migration patterns of Filipinos to the United States in the following decades.
Manila Galleons: The Manila Galleons were a series of Spanish trading ships that operated between Manila in the Philippines and Acapulco in Mexico from the late 16th century to the early 19th century. These ships played a crucial role in facilitating trade across the Pacific Ocean, significantly impacting the economies and cultures of both Asia and the Americas while also linking colonial powers with their territories.
Tydings-McDuffie Act: The Tydings-McDuffie Act, enacted in 1934, was a U.S. law that provided for the independence of the Philippines after a ten-year transitional period. This act restructured the relationship between the United States and the Philippines, impacting Filipino immigration and further entrenching colonial ties as it limited immigration from the Philippines and established a quota system for future Filipino immigrants.
Sugar Plantation Labor: Sugar plantation labor refers to the system of forced and low-wage labor utilized primarily in the production of sugarcane on large plantations, which often relied on enslaved Africans and later on indentured servants from various regions, including the Philippines. This labor system was crucial for the economic success of sugar plantations, particularly in the Caribbean and parts of the United States, and significantly influenced immigration patterns, labor relations, and colonial economies.
Philippine-American War: The Philippine-American War was an armed conflict between the United States and Filipino revolutionaries from 1899 to 1902, emerging from the struggle of the Philippines for independence after being ceded by Spain to the U.S. The war was marked by a desire among Filipinos for self-governance and the complex implications of American imperialism in the region, shaping immigration patterns and colonial ties between the two nations.