Final answer:
Chinese immigrants to the West were exclusively single men, particularly after the Civil War who arrived for the Gold Rush and railroad construction. They faced significant discrimination and legal restrictions, particularly under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which limited their numbers and prevented naturalization. Their experiences were marked by hardship, limited job opportunities, and racial prejudice.
Explanation:
The question pertains to the characteristics and experiences of Chinese immigrants who moved to the American West. Chinese immigrants began arriving in significant numbers during the mid-19th century, initially attracted by opportunities such as the Gold Rush and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. Most of these immigrants were men who planned to return to China after earning money. Discrimination and legal restrictions like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 severely limited their opportunities and ability to become citizens or to establish a substantial community.
The notion that Chinese immigrants were numerous, reaching several million by the 1890s, is incorrect due to the federal immigration quotas that were put in place, which included the Chinese Exclusion Act that restricted their immigration and naturalization. They also faced job competition and racial prejudices, which culminated in laws limiting their participation in various sectors of society and the economy.