Untold Histories: Asians and the Legacy of Slavery in the U.S - History Collection

1. Early Asian Arrivals: Before Emancipation

Long before the Civil War, Asians—particularly South Asian sailors and indentured servants—had already arrived in the United States. Often brought by European traders, these individuals faced harsh conditions and had few legal protections against forced labor. While not enslaved in the same way as Africans, their experiences of bondage, exploitation, and marginalization were strikingly similar. Their stories reveal a broader landscape of servitude in early America that is often ignored. For further insight, see this NPR feature.

2. The Chinese Coolie Trade and Forced Labor

In the mid-19th century, thousands of Chinese laborers were trafficked to the Americas under what were known as “coolie” contracts. These agreements promised opportunity, but many found themselves facing harsh conditions, coercion, and violence—echoing aspects of chattel slavery. Chinese coolies worked on Southern plantations and the transcontinental railroad, enduring grueling labor with little recourse or rights. Their experiences are a stark reminder of how forced labor practices extended beyond the African American narrative. For more, visit Smithsonian Magazine.

3. South Asian Indentured Servitude in the South

After slavery’s abolition, Southern planters turned to South Asian indentured laborers to fill the void on plantations. These men and women were bound by severe contracts that limited their freedom and subjected them to grueling conditions, echoing the hardships of slavery. Many faced exploitation, abuse, and broken promises of better lives in America. Their struggles reveal how systems of coerced labor adapted and persisted beyond emancipation. For more background, see Britannica’s overview.

4. Filipino Migrant Labor and Colonial Legacies

Following the U.S. colonization of the Philippines, Filipino workers were recruited to labor on plantations in Hawaii and farms in California. Though technically free, many endured low wages, debt bondage, and racially charged exploitation, mirroring the oppressive systems of earlier slavery. Their migration was shaped by U.S. colonial interests, creating new cycles of dependency and vulnerability. These workers played a pivotal role in American agriculture—yet their hardships and activism remain under-recognized. Discover more in this PBS feature.

5. Japanese American Farm Labor in the Early 20th Century

Japanese immigrants, arriving in the early 1900s, became a vital yet vulnerable workforce in American agriculture. Many found themselves trapped by mounting debt and subjected to restrictive laws that limited land ownership and mobility. These conditions often mirrored the sharecropping systems imposed on Black Americans after slavery, fostering cycles of dependency and poverty. Despite their essential contributions, Japanese American laborers faced persistent discrimination and legal barriers. For further exploration, visit the National Park Service resource.

6. The Page Act of 1875 and Human Trafficking

The Page Act of 1875 was the first federal law restricting Asian immigration, targeting Chinese women under claims of curbing “slavery” and prostitution. Ironically, this law drove migration underground, increasing trafficking and exploitation of Asian women rather than protecting them. Many were forced into servitude, facing abuse and little hope of legal recourse. The Page Act highlights how restrictive policies can have devastating unintended consequences. For more, see History.com’s analysis.

7. Shared Struggles: Asians and African Americans

Throughout American history, Asians and African Americans have often found common ground in resisting exploitation and discrimination. In labor movements and civil rights campaigns, their alliances challenged unjust systems—even amid occasional tensions and competition. These shared struggles reveal the deep connections between different communities fighting racialized labor oppression. By recognizing these intertwined histories, we gain a fuller understanding of America’s ongoing pursuit of justice. Explore more at the Zinn Education Project.

8. The Myth of the Model Minority and Erased Histories

The pervasive “model minority” myth paints Asians as universally successful, overshadowing the realities of exploitation, poverty, and discrimination many have faced. This stereotype erases the histories of Asian laborers who endured conditions similar to slavery, minimizing their struggles and resilience. By glossing over these hardships, the myth hinders broader solidarity and obscures the full legacy of racialized labor in America. To learn more about this issue, visit NBC News.

9. Modern-Day Human Trafficking and Asian Communities

Historical patterns of exploitation persist today, as Asian immigrants remain vulnerable to human trafficking in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and domestic work. Many are lured by false promises, only to find themselves trapped in abusive conditions with limited options for escape. These ongoing injustices mirror the coercive systems of the past and underscore the urgent need for awareness and action. For current data and resources, see Polaris Project.

10. Education, Advocacy, and Acknowledgment

Across the country, educators, activists, and scholars are working to bring these untold Asian histories into the spotlight. Through curriculum reform, public memorials, and grassroots advocacy, communities are pushing for greater recognition and justice. Emerging scholarship and new educational initiatives are challenging stereotypes and fostering meaningful dialogue. These efforts are essential for honoring the past and forging solidarity in the present. For deeper insight, visit The New York Times.