How do personal family history and the laws and events of the United States as well as world history interplay throughout this book?

The author creates an intimate familial world of the See family describing their business ventures and personal lives. Additionally, the author incorporates major events and laws that have relevance to the obstruction or growth of the family and their businesses. This question provokes the reader to see the effects of world and local historical events on the personal lives of the characters.

How do the enacted laws of late 19th century California limit the possible prosperity of immigrant Chinese?

The author describes how the immigrant Chinese toiled for other’s projects but few could create businesses of their own. This question invites the reader to review the laws and discuss the infringement on creative and/or expanding endeavors.

What influence does the transcontinental railroad have on the See family?