The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee explores the experiences of various Asian communities in the Americas from the 16th to early 21st centuries, using an intersectional approach to discuss race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and class. Lee examines early Asian immigration influenced by imperialism, the experiences of Asian Americans during significant historical events like World War II and the Cold War, and the evolving Asian American identity in the 21st century. The narrative combines social and legal history, colonialism, and individual biographies to illustrate themes of societal prejudice and discrimination as well as resilience and dignity. The book addresses racism, discrimination, and occasional acts of racially motivated violence.

Erika Lee's The Making of Asian America has been widely praised for its comprehensive and insightful examination of Asian American history, tracing diverse experiences and contributions from the 1500s to today. Critics applaud Lee's accessible writing and thorough research, though some find the extensive detail overwhelming. Overall, it is a monumental and enlightening narrative.

Readers with an interest in Asian American history and immigration narratives will appreciate The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee. Comparable to Ronald Takaki's Strangers from a Different Shore and Helen Zia's Asian American Dreams, it appeals to those keen on exploring the profound impact of Asian Americans on American society.

Erika Lee

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Nonfiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Making of Asian America and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Making of Asian America Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Making of Asian America Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Beginnings: Asians in the Americas” 

Introduction, Part 1, Chapters 1-2

The Making of Asian America Introduction, Part 1, Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Making of Asian America During the Age of Mass Migration and Asian Exclusion”

Part 2, Chapters 3-4

The Making of Asian America Part 2, Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 5-6

The Making of Asian America Part 2, Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 7-9

The Making of Asian America Part 2, Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Asian America in a World at War”

Part 3, Chapters 10-12

The Making of Asian America Part 3, Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Remaking Asian America in a Globalized World”

Part 4, Chapters 13-14

The Making of Asian America Part 4, Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 15-16

The Making of Asian America Part 4, Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Twenty-First-Century Asian Americans”

Part 5, Chapter 17-Epilogue

The Making of Asian America Part 5, Chapter 17-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Making of Asian America Key Figures

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Themes

The Making of Asian America Themes

Index of Terms

The Making of Asian America Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Making of Asian America Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Making of Asian America Essay Topics

The Making of Asian America: A History

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Making of Asian America?

Reading Age

Book Details