Read more
"Saxton's bold inquiry into the anti-Chinese ideology and politics of white workers in California demonstrates the power of race to distort political consciousness and subvert labor solidarity. His splendid analysis puzzles out the sources and implications of anti-Chinese hostility during the 19th century, and challenges labor scholars and activists to examine the impact of the trade union movement nationally."—Gwendolyn Mink, author of Old Labor and New Immigrants in American Political Development
"An eloquent and meticulous history of race and class which is as exciting today as when it first appeared."—David Roediger, Professor of History, University of Minnesota
"Saxton's path-breaking study continues to underscore the significant of race in the American politics and culture--a timely critical perspective for the 21st century."—Ronald Takaki, author of A Different Mirror
"No one interested in the intersection of race, class, and ideology can neglect this book. It deserves a wide audience among a new generation of college students."—Robert W. Rydell, Professor of History, Montana State University
"A classic—one that helped launch the "new western history" and belongs on a short list of books that have transformed our understanding of the western experience."—Gary B. Nash, Director of the National Center for History in the Schools
About the author
Alexander Saxton (1919-2012) was the author of The Rise and Fall of the White Republic (1991), and the novels Bright Web in the Darkness (California reissue 1997) and Great Midland. He was Professor Emeritus of History at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Summary
Examines the Chinese confrontation, on the Pacific Coast, as it was experienced and rationalized by the white majority. This title focuses on the Democratic party and the labor movement of California through the forty-year period after the Civil War.
Additional text
"This study brings out in detail the complex of sentiments, ideas, programs, organizations, and personalities covering several decades. There are interesting analyses of key figures such as Henry George, Denis Kearney, Frank Roney, Burnette Haskell, Sigismund Danielewicz, and others. The California story is placed within the context of the larger national situation of labor and ethnic relations and their interactions, thus adding to its interest and value."
