A Chinese-hating American in Colonial Australia? Misconstruing 'Monitor Hall'

Abstract

<p>The article examines the complex attitudes towards Chinese and Indian labourers, referred to as 'coolies', in Colonial Australia during the 1830s and 1840s. It argues that while some contemporary opinions, particularly those expressed by Edward Smith Hall, appear overtly discriminatory, a closer analysis reveals a more nuanced perspective focused on gender imbalance rather than outright racial prejudice. Hall's writings reflect concerns about the potential social consequences of importing male-only laborers, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balanced sex ratio to prevent moral decay and societal disruption. The article highlights the broader context of colonial anxieties regarding immigration, labour, and the legacy of convictism, suggesting that these factors shaped public discourse and policy decisions during this period. Overall, it calls for a reevaluation of historical interpretations of Hall's views and the motivations behind the anti-coolie sentiment.</p>