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.

Informative / Contemplative / Emotional / Inspirational

- The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee is notable for examining the impact of Asian immigration on the broader narrative of American history.
- Erika Lee is a recognized historian and has been awarded multiple accolades for her work, contributing to her authority on Asian American history.
- The book is praised for its in-depth research and draws extensively from personal stories, archival letters, and historical records, providing a rich tapestry of the Asian American experience.

**Erika Lee**  
An American historian and author known for her expertise in Asian-American history and immigration history, having written multiple acclaimed books on these subjects.

**Fred Korematsu**  
A Japanese American civil rights activist recognized for his role in challenging the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, an effort that highlights issues of racial injustice.

**Mee Moua**  
A Hmong American politician who made history as the first person of Hmong descent elected to a state legislature, highlighting the integration of diverse voices in American politics.

**Afong Moy**  
The first documented Chinese woman in the United States, gaining attention for her public appearances and interactions that drew both interest and exoticism in 19th-century America.

**Bhagat Singh Thind**  
An Indian American whose Supreme Court case on racial eligibility for naturalization citizenship highlights the complex interplay of race and identity in American history.

**Jose Antonio Vargas**  
A Filipino American journalist and immigration rights activist notable for his candidness about his undocumented status and influential work in changing the narrative around immigration.

Erika Lee

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Making of Asian America reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Making of Asian America | SuperSummary

title

content

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

chapter

chapterType

section

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

keyFigure

Key Figures

The Making of Asian America Key Figures

theme

Themes

The Making of Asian America Themes

Index of Terms

The Making of Asian America Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

The Making of Asian America Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

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