How did Nativists react to immigrants in California in the mid-1800s?

Nativists in California in the mid-1800s reacted to immigrants, particularly those from China and Ireland, with significant hostility and discrimination. Their responses were fueled by a combination of economic fears, racial prejudices, and cultural differences.

Nativists, who were primarily U.S.-born citizens of European descent, feared that the influx of immigrants would result in competition for jobs, leading to lower wages and higher unemployment for native-born workers. This economic anxiety was most pronounced during periods of economic downturn.

The nativist response included:

1. Legal Restriction: Nativists pushed for legislation to limit the rights of immigrants. One notable example was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was the first significant law restricting immigration to the United States and barred Chinese laborers from entering the country.

2. Discrimination: Immigrants faced widespread discrimination in employment and daily life. Employers sometimes refused to hire immigrants, and when they did, these workers were often given the most dangerous, dirty, and low-paying jobs.

3. Violence: Some nativist groups resorted to violence and intimidation against immigrants. These groups could be quite extreme, going so far as to attack Chinese immigrants or destroy Irish neighborhoods.

4. Cultural Opposition: Nativists also opposed immigrants on cultural and religious grounds. They feared that the large number of immigrants with different languages, customs, and religions would disrupt the social fabric of American society.

5. Political Action: Nativists formed political parties, such as the Know-Nothing Party, which sought to curb immigration and naturalization of foreigners and to mandate a longer waiting period before naturalized citizens could vote.

Nativism in mid-19th century California was, therefore, both a social and political movement, with the intent to protect the interests of native-born Americans against the perceived threat posed by new immigrants.