To answer this question correctly, students must explain how the Promontory Point photograph is related to both the California Gold Rush and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. For Question 1, students should explain that a large influx of American settlers came to California during the Gold Rush. The growing market on the West Coast increased American economic demand and political will for a transcontinental railroad. For Question 2, students must also explain that among those who built the transcontinental railroad were thousands of workers recruited from China. After the railroad was completed, Chinese started to compete for jobs that were more desirable to white Americans, which contributed to anti-Chinese sentiment. This prejudice led to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the Promontory Point photograph and the California Gold Rush.
Question 2
Student identifies and explains a relevant connection between the Promontory Point photograph and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
Level: Emergent
Question 1
Student identifies a relevant connection between the Promontory Point photograph and the California Gold Rush but does not provide a complete explanation of that connection.
Question 2
Student identifies a relevant connection between the Promontory Point photograph and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 but does not provide a complete explanation of that connection.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not provide a reasonable explanation for how the Promontory Point photograph is connected to the California Gold Rush.
Question 2
Student does not provide a reasonable explanation for how the Promontory Point photograph is connected to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
