Widespread anti-chinese sentiment in the late-1800s resulted in

Widespread anti-Chinese sentiment in the late 1800's resulted in the passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882).

The Chinese-Exclusion Act was implemented for several different reasons. This was partly influenced by nativists who feared that immigrants in America were going to change American values and culture. Along with this, many Americans did not like Chinese immigrants because they were willing to work for less than American workers. This included working for less on important jobs like the development of the Transcontinental Railroad.

the completion of the erie canal spurred the first great westward movement of american settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the appalachians and made new york the preeminent commercial city in the united states.