The 1868 Burlingame Treaty Achieved The American Goal Of

The Burlingame Treaty of 1868: Achieving American Goals in a Shifting Global Landscape

The Burlingame Treaty, signed on July 28, 1868, between the United States and the Qing Dynasty of China, represents a pivotal moment in the burgeoning relationship between the two nations. While often viewed as a triumph of diplomacy and mutual understanding, a closer examination reveals the treaty's primary achievement was the fulfillment of key American objectives within the larger context of 19th-century global politics and burgeoning American expansionism. This article will delve into the specifics of the treaty, examining its provisions and their implications, ultimately demonstrating how it strategically advanced crucial American goals.

Understanding the Pre-Treaty Context: American Interests in China

Before analyzing the treaty's achievements, it's crucial to understand the American motivations leading up to its creation. The mid-1800s marked a period of significant American expansion and economic ambition. China, with its vast potential market and strategic location, became a target of American interest. However, the existing relationship was fraught with challenges. American merchants encountered numerous obstacles in trading with China, primarily due to the restrictive policies of the Qing Dynasty. The existing unequal treaties favored European powers, leaving the United States at a disadvantage.

Furthermore, the American government had a growing concern about the influx of Chinese immigrants to the West Coast. While some welcomed the cheap labor, anxieties surrounding competition for jobs and cultural differences fueled anti-Chinese sentiment, culminating in discriminatory legislation and violence. Therefore, the United States sought a treaty that would address these issues simultaneously: securing favorable trade conditions and regulating Chinese immigration.

Key Provisions of the Burlingame Treaty: A Closer Look

The Burlingame Treaty, hailed as a beacon of amity and equality, was meticulously crafted to serve American interests while maintaining a façade of mutual respect. The treaty's key provisions include:

• Mutual Respect and Equal Treatment: The treaty ostensibly established a foundation of mutual respect and equality between the two nations. This provision was crucial for establishing a framework for future diplomatic relations and easing concerns about American imperial ambitions. However, this "equality" was more symbolic than practical, as the treaty still operated within a power dynamic heavily weighted in favor of the United States.

• Free Immigration: This was a crucial point for the United States. The treaty explicitly stated that Chinese subjects could freely enter and reside in the United States. This provision initially seemed to benefit Chinese laborers seeking opportunities in America. However, this clause proved short-lived, paving the way for future restrictive immigration policies.

• Reciprocal Rights and Privileges: The treaty granted American citizens the right to travel, reside, and trade within China under the protection of Chinese law, much like the privileges enjoyed by European powers. This was a significant victory for American merchants, enabling them to expand their trade activities within the vast Chinese market without the limitations previously imposed.

• Commercial Agreements: The treaty also focused on establishing a fair and equitable system of trade between the two nations. It addressed matters of tariffs, customs duties, and other trade-related regulations, ultimately giving American merchants improved access to the Chinese market.

American Goals Achieved Through the Burlingame Treaty

The Burlingame Treaty, while presented as a treaty of mutual benefit, demonstrably achieved several key American goals:

1. Access to the Chinese Market: This was perhaps the most significant achievement. The treaty provided American merchants with unprecedented access to the lucrative Chinese market, previously largely controlled by European powers. The removal of discriminatory trade barriers and the establishment of favorable commercial conditions gave American businesses a significant advantage in competing for Chinese goods and consumers.

2. Regulation (Though Not Restriction) of Immigration: The treaty's provision for free immigration initially seemed to benefit Chinese workers. However, from the American perspective, it provided a mechanism for managing, albeit not restricting, the influx of Chinese immigrants. The seemingly liberal clause facilitated the future implementation of restrictive legislation which ultimately curtailed Chinese immigration. This was a key American objective, addressing anxieties about labor competition and cultural assimilation.

3. Enhancement of Diplomatic Relations: The treaty established a formal diplomatic framework between the United States and China, laying the foundation for future interactions. This formal relationship was crucial for solidifying American influence in the region and securing its interests within the broader context of global power dynamics. The "equal footing" narrative further enhanced American diplomatic standing globally, even if the reality fell short of this ideal.

4. Weakening of European Influence: While not explicitly stated, the Burlingame Treaty implicitly undermined the dominance of European powers in their trade relations with China. By securing similar, if not superior, trading rights, the United States effectively challenged the existing European hegemony, further advancing its own economic and geopolitical ambitions.

The Shortcomings and Subsequent Contradictions: The Chinese Perspective

While the treaty served American interests exceptionally well, its impact on China was more complex and ultimately less favorable. The Qing Dynasty, facing internal instability and external pressures from various European powers, saw the treaty as a way to secure recognition and legitimacy on the world stage. However, the long-term consequences were detrimental to Chinese sovereignty and economic stability. The promise of free immigration, viewed as beneficial by the Qing, ultimately became a tool for the U.S. to manage immigration to their own benefit, eventually leading to the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The treaty's emphasis on "equal footing" often masked the inherent power imbalance between the two nations. While presented as a mutual agreement, the treaty's provisions ultimately served to further integrate China into the global capitalist system on terms heavily favorable to the United States. This ultimately led to further economic exploitation of China in the years that followed.

Conclusion: A Strategic Triumph for American Expansionism

The Burlingame Treaty of 1868, while presented as a symbol of diplomatic harmony, stands as a testament to the strategic prowess of American diplomacy in the 19th century. It demonstrably achieved several crucial American goals, significantly advancing its economic and geopolitical interests. The treaty provided unparalleled access to the vast Chinese market, offered a mechanism for managing Chinese immigration, established a formal diplomatic framework, and subtly challenged European influence in the region. Although the treaty contained elements presented as promoting mutual benefit and equality, a close examination reveals its primary function in furthering the ambitions of American expansionism, even at the cost of long-term fairness and equality for China. The treaty’s legacy highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of international relations, reminding us that even treaties framed in terms of mutual respect often serve the interests of the more powerful nation involved.