Denis Kearney

Denis Kearney was an Irish immigrant and politician who founded the Workingmen's Party of California in 1877. Known for his populist rhetoric, Kearney vehemently opposed Chinese immigration, blaming Chinese workers for economic hardships faced by American laborers. His infamous slogan, 'The Chinese must go!', encapsulated his xenophobic views, which resonated with many during a time of economic strife. Kearney's activism contributed to a climate of hostility toward Chinese immigrants, ultimately leading to the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882.