Meaning: The quote "California must be all American or all Chinese. We are resolved that it shall be American, and are prepared to make it so. May we not rely upon your sympathy and assistance?" by Denis Kearney, a prominent politician in the late 19th century, reflects the sentiment of nativism and anti-Chinese sentiment that was prevalent during the era of Chinese immigration to the United States. This quote encapsulates the exclusionary attitudes and discriminatory policies toward Chinese immigrants in California and the broader United States during this time.

Denis Kearney was a leader of the Workingmen's Party of California and a vocal advocate for the exclusion of Chinese immigrants from the American workforce. The context of this quote is important to understand the historical significance of Kearney's words. During the 19th century, Chinese immigrants played a significant role in the development of the American West, particularly in industries such as mining, railroad construction, and agriculture. However, their presence and economic success fueled xenophobic sentiments and anti-Chinese movements, leading to discriminatory laws and violent acts against Chinese immigrants.

The phrase "California must be all American or all Chinese" reflects the fear that the influx of Chinese immigrants would fundamentally alter the demographic and cultural composition of California. This fear was rooted in the perception that Chinese laborers were taking jobs away from American workers and depressing wages. As a result, Kearney and his supporters sought to rally public support for measures that would restrict Chinese immigration and limit the economic and social opportunities available to Chinese immigrants.

The assertion that "we are resolved that it shall be American, and are prepared to make it so" underscores the determination of Kearney and his followers to assert their vision of an exclusively American California. This determination manifested in the form of political agitation, labor strikes, and advocacy for legislative measures aimed at curtailing Chinese immigration and economic participation.

Kearney's appeal for sympathy and assistance highlights the mobilization of anti-Chinese sentiment through rhetoric that sought to portray Chinese immigrants as a threat to American society and livelihoods. By framing the issue in terms of loyalty to the American nation and the need for external support, Kearney and his allies sought to garner broader public and political backing for their exclusionary agenda.

The impact of Kearney's rhetoric and the broader anti-Chinese movement was significant. It culminated in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which represented the first major restriction on immigration in U.S. history and specifically targeted Chinese laborers. This legislation effectively barred Chinese immigrants from entering the United States and further institutionalized discriminatory practices against the Chinese community.

In conclusion, Denis Kearney's quote encapsulates the nativist and anti-Chinese sentiments that characterized the late 19th-century political landscape in California and the United States. It reflects the exclusionary attitudes and policies that sought to limit the economic and social opportunities available to Chinese immigrants and underscores the enduring legacy of discrimination and injustice experienced by marginalized communities in American history. The quote serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of understanding and confronting the historical forces that have shaped the nation's identity and social fabric.