Denis Kearney

Date of Birth: February 1, 1847

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 24, 1907

Biography

Denis Kearney was an influential American politician and labor leader in the late 19th century. He was born in Oakmount, County Cork, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in his youth. Kearney settled in San Francisco, California, where he became a prominent figure in labor activism. He is best known for his role as the leader of the Workingmen’s Party of California, which was founded in 1877. Kearney’s political career was marked by his vehement anti-Chinese rhetoric, which resonated with many white laborers who felt threatened by Chinese immigrant labor. His speeches often included the slogan, “The Chinese must go,” which became a rallying cry for the anti-Chinese movement. Kearney’s activism contributed to the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which severely restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. Beyond his anti-Chinese stance, Kearney also advocated for various labor reforms, including an eight-hour workday and better working conditions for laborers. His influence waned in the 1880s as the economy improved and anti-Chinese sentiment decreased.

5 Interesting Facts about Denis Kearney

1. Denis Kearney immigrated to the United States at the age of 19.

2. He founded the Workingmen’s Party of California in 1877.

3. His slogan, “The Chinese must go,” became infamous in the anti-Chinese movement.

4. Kearney was instrumental in the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

5. He advocated for labor reforms such as the eight-hour workday and better working conditions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Denis Kearney

1. “The Chinese must go.”

2. “We intend to try and better our condition by every means that the Constitution and laws of the country will allow.”

3. “The rich and powerful must be made to realize that the workingmen are not slaves.”

4. “Our children should be educated in a manner that will make them good citizens.”

5. “We seek no revolution, we desire only reforms.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Denis Kearney’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a labor leader and politician, it is unlikely that he amassed significant personal wealth.