The 1870s were marked by significant racial tension in the western United States as many sought to establish themselves and create new lives in the recently acquired territories. Many migrants struggled with unemployment and insecurity, and Chinese immigrants often bore the brunt of the blame for these issues. This animosity reached a boiling point on October 24, 1871, when a mob of over 500 white and Latino residents of Los Angeles stormed Chinatown and murdered 18 Chinese immigrants in one of the largest mass lynchings in American history. This date is remembered as a sorrowful chapter in the nation’s past.
Background Tensions
In the decade leading up to the Chinese Massacre in 1871, anti-Chinese sentiment was growing. Many migrants from the eastern states had made the arduous journey westward, lured by promises of a brighter future, only to find themselves in difficult circumstances. The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1870 left many of these migrants unemployed, and they mistakenly blamed Chinese immigrants for taking their job opportunities.
The political and social culture in Los Angeles contributed to rising tensions during that time. Newspapers published articles that fueled racist sentiments within the population, portraying Chinese immigrants as barbarians. There was a prevailing sense of lawlessness; crime was rampant, and justice was often elusive. Furthermore, the state’s laws were biased against immigrants. For instance, it was illegal for Chinese immigrants to testify against white individuals in court, which effectively stripped them of any legal recourse against discrimination.
Triggering Moment
On the morning of October 24, the tragic massacre occurred when fighting broke out between two rival Chinese groups. A white man was killed, and a police officer was gravely injured while trying to manage the chaos.
Rumors quickly spread that the Chinese immigrants were attacking the white community. A mob of nearly 500 formed within hours and attacked the Chinese community. Over the course of the evening, the mob stormed Chinese shops- looting and burning the buildings. They dragged men out on the streets and brutally attacked and killed them.
Tragically, 18 men and teenage boys were killed in the chaos. It is believed that only one of the victims was actually a part of the inciting incident.
Long-term Impact
After the incident, eight rioters were arrested and convicted of manslaughter. However, all eight convictions were eventually overturned in court, and no one was ever held accountable for the crimes against the Chinese community. It took decades for the racial discrimination against the Chinese community to begin to dissipate.
For many generations, the Los Angeles area attempted to erase the memory of the Chinese Massacre. However, in recent years, historians and community activists have worked to raise awareness of this tragic event. In 2021, on the 150th anniversary of the massacre, the mayor of Los Angeles officially apologized to the Chinese community, and a permanent memorial was erected to honor the victims.