Timeline: Asian-American History, Late 1800s

Japan sends first diplomatic mission to U.S.

Chinese community groups in San Francisco form federation. California imposes "police tax" on those of the "Mongolian race" to discourage immigration and protect white laborers from competition.

50,000 Chinese reported living in California.

U.S. and China sign Burlingame-Seward Treaty, affirming friendship between the two nations and guaranteeing the right of Chinese immigration, since inexpensive Chinese labor was popular among railroads and other employers.

California ends law barring Chinese court testimony.

People unhappy at competing with cheap Chinese labor, and fearful of being "overwhelmed" by non-white immigration, cause anti-Chinese riots in San Francisco and other California cities. Japanese Christians form group in San Francisco.

Court rules Chinese not eligible for naturalized citizenship.

As many people blamed the Chinese for taking away jobs and causing unemployment, the U.S. successfully amends the Burlingame Treaty, winning the right to limit or suspend Chinese immigration.

Sit Moon becomes pastor of first Chinese Christian Church in Hawaii.

Congress approves Chinese Exclusion Act, banning Chinese laborers for ten years. It was renewed for another ten years in 1892, and became permanent in 1902. U.S. and Korea sign first treaty.

Irwin Convention allows Japanese contract laborers into Hawaii.

Residents in Tacoma, Washington, forcibly expel Chinese.

Court upholds constitutionality of Chinese exclusion laws.

Massachusetts court holds Japanese ineligible for naturalization.

U.S. wins Hawaii and the Philippines after Spanish-American War.