The Opium Wars took place in China between 1839-1860. The British won the wars, and the Chinese were forced to trade with other countries. Many Chinese people decided to leave their country and start a new life in the United States. Almost all Chinese immigrants went to California.

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 At first, when the Chinese immigrated into America, they were welcomed with open arms. The white Americans that moving to California were successful and friendly with them. They were even fine with the Chinese children going to school with their children. Unfortunately, finding gold was getting scarce, and eventually the friendliness of white Americans with the Chinese immigrants began to run out. White Americans forced the Chinese to work in mines and on the railroads for little pay and long hours in harsh conditions.