A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which treaty encouraged trade and immigration from China to the US?

1. The Treaty of Paris

2. The Burlingame Treaty

3. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

4. The Treaty of Ghent

The correct answer is: The Burlingame Treaty

The Burlingame Treaty is indeed the correct choice as it was specifically designed to foster friendly relations between the United States and China, which included provisions encouraging trade and immigration. Signed in 1868, the treaty aimed to promote economic ties and facilitate the movement of Chinese citizens to the U.S., which was significant during a time when labor needs were growing, particularly in the West. In contrast, the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War, focused on establishing American independence rather than trade relations with China. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo brought an end to the Mexican-American War and addressed territorial issues rather than immigration. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812, and its primary focus was on restoring relations between the U.S. and Britain rather than engaging with China. By fostering immigration, the Burlingame Treaty played a pivotal role in shaping the demographic landscape of the United States, particularly in relation to the Chinese population, and laid the groundwork for future interactions between the two nations.