This teacher’s guide provides materials to support the documentary film, The Chinese Exclusion Act | AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and is designed to meet certain national history, social studies, geography, and common core standards for grades 5-12. The 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act was unlike any U.S. law enacted since the founding of the republic. It singled out as never before a specific race and nationality for exclusion. For 60 years, not only did it ban Chinese workers from coming to the United States, but it prohibited Chinese nationals already in the United States from becoming U.S. citizens. The film explores the events leading to exclusion, and the causes, consequences, and continuing repercussions of the act.

Be advised that the documentary film contains language, such as racial slurs, that is not suitable for all students. We recommend that you preview the film before assigning to students.