Railroad Workers: Chinese and Irish Labor — Reading Comprehension

The construction of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States during the 1860s depended heavily on the labor of Chinese and Irish immigrants. The Central Pacific Railroad, which began in California, relied mostly on Chinese workers, while the Union Pacific Railroad, starting from the east, hired many Irish immigrants. Both groups faced difficult conditions, low pay, and discrimination. However, their work was essential for connecting the country from coast to coast.

The need for a fast and reliable way to move people and goods across the continent grew as the United States expanded westward. Building the railroad posed enormous challenges, including dangerous mountains, harsh weather, and the need for thousands of workers. Many white laborers left for better-paying jobs in gold mines, so companies looked to immigrants. The Central Pacific began hiring Chinese workers in large numbers after 1865. A company leader wrote, "Without them it would be impossible to complete the western portion of this great national enterprise." This primary source shows how important Chinese laborers became to the project.

The experiences of Chinese and Irish workers were different in certain ways but also had similarities. Chinese workers often faced more intense prejudice and were sometimes segregated from other groups. They lived in separate camps, cooked their own food, and were paid less than white workers. Despite these hardships, they became known for their reliability, skill, and ability to work through difficult terrain. Irish workers also endured dangerous working conditions, including explosions, accidents, and sometimes attacks from hostile groups. Both groups worked extremely long hours, often for six days a week, and had few rights or protections.

One major conflict emerged over pay and treatment. Chinese workers went on strike in 1867, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The company refused their demands at first, but the strike forced some changes, showing that even those with little power could take collective action. Irish workers, too, sometimes organized, but their efforts were often limited by anti-immigrant attitudes among railroad managers.

Despite their crucial contributions, Chinese and Irish workers were often left out of official celebrations after the railroad's completion in 1869. The famous photo of the "Golden Spike" ceremony at Promontory Summit mostly shows white managers and officials, not the laborers who made the achievement possible. This exclusion highlights a contradiction: the nation celebrated progress and unity, but many of those who built it faced continued marginalization.

The legacy of Chinese and Irish railroad workers is complex. Their labor helped transform the United States, encouraging settlement and economic growth. However, their experiences reveal how industrial expansion often relied on the difficult work of marginalized groups. Recognizing their story challenges us to think critically about whose contributions are remembered in history.

Interesting Fact: After the railroad was finished, many Chinese workers stayed in the United States and helped build other railroads or started businesses in new Western towns.

Which group mainly worked for Central Pacific?

When did Chinese workers strike?

Where did the railroads meet in 1869?

Why did companies hire immigrants for railroad work?

What was the main reason for the 1867 strike?

What does the primary source quote show?

Chinese workers were always included in celebrations. True or false?

What is 'marginalization' as used in the passage?