Burlingame Treaty Revision

Definition

The Burlingame Treaty Revision refers to the amendments made in 1868 to the original Burlingame Treaty of 1868, which established a framework for Chinese immigration to the United States. This revision aimed to address the growing tensions and discrimination faced by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, reinforcing the rights of Chinese laborers while also responding to increasing anti-Chinese sentiment and legislation in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Burlingame Treaty was initially signed between the United States and China in 1868 to promote friendly relations and encourage Chinese immigration for labor purposes.
2. The revisions aimed to secure better treatment and legal protections for Chinese immigrants in response to violence and discrimination they faced during the Gold Rush era.
3. Despite its intentions, the treaty revisions ultimately could not prevent future anti-Chinese laws, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.
4. The Burlingame Treaty Revision is significant as it marked one of the first formal agreements between the U.S. and a foreign nation regarding immigration rights.
5. The treaty revisions reflected a complicated relationship between economic needs for labor and societal resistance against immigrant communities.

Review Questions

• How did the Burlingame Treaty Revision attempt to address issues faced by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush?
  • The Burlingame Treaty Revision sought to protect Chinese immigrants by reinforcing their rights and legal status in the United States. By aiming to ensure better treatment amidst rising discrimination, it acknowledged the contributions of Chinese laborers during the Gold Rush while trying to mitigate violence and exploitation. This was important for maintaining diplomatic relations with China and recognizing the role of these immigrants in America's economic expansion.
• In what ways did the provisions of the Burlingame Treaty Revision conflict with subsequent laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act?
  • The provisions of the Burlingame Treaty Revision aimed to promote equal treatment and protection for Chinese immigrants, but this directly conflicted with laws such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, which completely barred Chinese laborers from entering the United States. The growing anti-Chinese sentiment led to legislation that ignored international agreements meant to protect these individuals, demonstrating how political pressures often overrode diplomatic commitments.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Burlingame Treaty Revision on U.S.-China relations and immigrant rights in America.
  • The Burlingame Treaty Revision had lasting impacts on U.S.-China relations by establishing a precedent for formal agreements regarding immigration rights, although it ultimately struggled against prevailing xenophobia. While it initially promoted better conditions for Chinese immigrants, its failure to prevent discriminatory legislation highlighted ongoing challenges for immigrant rights in America. This tension between diplomatic agreements and domestic policies would continue to shape immigration debates well into the 20th century and influence how future immigrant communities were treated.

Related terms

Chinese Exclusion Act:

A federal law passed in 1882 that prohibited all Chinese laborers from immigrating to the United States, reflecting rising anti-Chinese sentiment.

Gold Rush: A mass migration of people to California in the mid-19th century, triggered by the discovery of gold in 1848, which saw a significant influx of Chinese immigrants seeking economic opportunities.

Anti-Chinese Sentiment:

A widespread prejudice and discrimination against Chinese immigrants in the United States, particularly during the late 19th century, driven by economic competition and cultural differences.