About
Many people are aware of the California Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad. However, very few understand the complex history of China that propelled Chinese migration in search of these opportunities. This project’s mission is to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western history. Chinese immigrants weren’t just fleeing from generic poverty; instead, it involved global diplomacy, trade relations, foreign treaties, evolving sovereignty, and environmental disasters.
My digital exhibition features eight panels that uncover the realities of the late Qing Dynasty leading to its eventual downfall, and how that encouraged the outflow of people into the United States. This project synthesizes archival materials, scholarly articles, and historical curriculum frameworks on the Opium War and the mid-to-late 19th-century Qing Dynasty and migration.
Curated by Linda (Qianhao) Liu, this project was born out of passion for Chinese history, storytelling, and hope to discover parallels through transnational connections that shape our modern society and my community.