Since the birth of America, many different people from around the world have flocked to North America in hopes of building a good life for themselves or their families. Many came from the west, just as a large amount came from the east. Most of these Eastern immigrants came from China. These people were welcomed with open arms and kindness for a short time, at least at first. Subsequently there was a long period of racial tension, due to social differences. How did Chinese immigrants integrate into American culture and what difficulties did they face? One thing is certain; the Chinese have endured throughout history and earned their place in American society. Before arriving anywhere near the United States, the Chinese people spread across the Pacific Ocean as seafarers. Starting from Acapulco and Manila, some made their way to Mexico City in the 17th century. And although they were not on the mainland, the Chinese finally entered what would later become part of the United States, in the island state known as Hawaii. Eventually, the first three recorded arrivals of Chinese arrived in Baltimore, in 1785. Their names were Ashing, Aceun, and Achun. This was just the beginning. The number of Chinese immigrants to America would only explode in the 1850s. (Tong 1) It was during the 1850s that the number of Chinese-Americans increased. Why is this? The answer is in three simple words: “The Gold Rush”. Almost everyone, including the mother, was really excited about the prospect of breaking into a new frontier that was “the West”. Furthermore, some adventurers and travelers were enthusiastic about the very idea of ​​expansion. Many people have heard the call of manifest destiny. With these large quantities of Ch......middle of paper......only regret. Eh, méi bànfǎ (There's nothing you can do), as they say in Mandarin Chinese. What else can I do? Regardless, in the end, I feel like I appreciate the culture of Chinese-American society a lot more, more than before, so that's always a good thing, right? Works Cited Cao, Lan and Himilce Novas. Everything you need to know about Asian American history. New York: Plume, 1996. Print. "Immigration: the Chinese". ThinkQuest: Library. Np, nd Web. March 19, 2012. “Lue Gim Gong.” Volusia County Home Page. Np, nd Web. March 20, 2012. “Lue Gim Gong.” Volusia County Home Page. Np, nd Web. March 20, 2012. .Tong, Benson. Chinese Americans. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2000. Print.