Chinese Massacre of 1871
In the history of Los Angeles there have been few other crimes as
senseless, barbaric, or shameful as the Chinese Massacre of 1871. The
racially motivated behavior of the crowd on October 24, 1871 was a black
mark on the city for many years.
Background
There seems little doubt today that the anti-Chinese atmosphere is Los
Angeles (mirrored and even worse in San Francisco) was a result of the
immigration of Chinese laborers in very large numbers during this period.
Their willingness to work long hours at low wages was very threatening to
white laborers.
The Immediate Cause
The incident which apparently set off the mob action was the accidental
shooting of a white person who got caught in the crossfire between two
rival Chinese gangs.
What Happened
Within a short time of the shooting, hundreds of whites rampaged through
the street called Calle de los Negros which had become
the city's Chinatown. They broke windows, knocked down doors, and
attacked every Chinese they encountered. Some were hanged and some were
dragged by the neck until dead. The total number of Chinese killed is
uncertain, but was probably around 20.
The Investigation
There was a grand jury investigation which denounced the individuals for
"disgracing our city"; it also charged that the authorities had been
derelect in performing their duty. In spite of the investigation and the
public's revulsion over the massacre, no one was ever brought to trial.
References:
Hart, James D. A Companion to California. New York: Oxford
University Press, 1978.
Reference Center
Lou, Raymond. The Chinese American Community in Los Angeles: A Case
of Resistance, Organization, and Participation. Unpublished
doctoral dissertation, University of California, Irvine, 1982.
Doheny Book Stacks F870.C5L68 1982
Sifakis, Carl. The Encyclopedia of American Crime. New York:
Facts on File, 1982.
Reference Center HV6789.S54 1982
Updated June 23, 2002