Introduction
Unfortunately, the data on the life experiences of railroad workers from China is sparse and difficult to retrieve. The researchers state that Chinese workers constituted around 90 percent of the workforce constructing the Central Pacific Railroad (Shashkevich). According to research, recently retrieved data revealed that most were literate and well-organized (Shashkevich). The lifestyles of these workers varied drastically since some resided in large camps, while others frequently moved from one site to another.
Chinese Railroad Workers’ Contributions and Racial Marginalization
Chinese workers massively contributed to the railroad construction. According to Shashkevich, they are responsible for “the 690 miles of track between Sacramento, California, and Promontory, Utah” (para. 12). The author also notes that due to a lack of organizational security and harsh working conditions, approximately 1000 Chinese workers died from sudden avalanches or explosions (Shashkevich). He also states that there would be no railroad if not for the Chinese contribution, as there was a severe labor shortage before their employment (Shashkevich). Nevertheless, these people were considerably marginalized throughout the construction and further history.
The negligence towards their contribution might have been due to racial prejudice. As the historical evidence implies, Chinese workers were widely perceived as illiterate and disorganized (Shashkevich). Additionally, they received substantially lower wages compared to their white colleagues. Shashkevich mentions that “About 3,000 went on strike in 1867 to demand the same wages as the white workers, who were paid more than twice as much” (para. 13). Although other reasons why their work was so heavily neglected are primarily speculative, racial prejudice is most likely one of the most substantiated, as it permeates throughout American history.
Conclusion
In summary, Chinese workers immensely contributed to constructing the Central Pacific Railroad, laying around 690 miles of the track. They were hired in response to a severe labor shortage and constituted 90 percent of the workforce. Despite their impact on the efficacy of the whole operation, they were financially discriminated against, and their work was neglected for centuries. Current research conducted with the resources of Stanford University has revealed the importance of their contribution and given a voice to the long-forgotten heroes of labor.
Work Cited
Shashkevich, Alex. “Giving Voice to Chinese Railroad Workers.” Stanford News.