China service of the Lincoln administration

Lincoln White House service set 1861 - Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - 2012-05-15

China Service of the Lincoln Administration refers to the diplomatic and trade efforts and policies of the United States towards China during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, from 1861 to 1865. This period was marked by the ongoing American Civil War, which significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy and its international relations, including with China.

Background

The mid-19th century was a period of significant upheaval and change in China, characterized by the Taiping Rebellion, a massive civil war, and the Second Opium War with Western powers. These events weakened China and opened it to increased foreign influence and presence, including that of the United States. The U.S. was interested in expanding its trade and establishing a more substantial diplomatic presence in China, competing with European powers under the Unequal Treaties system.

Lincoln Administration's Policy

Under President Lincoln, the U.S. sought to strengthen its position in China, not through military might but through diplomacy and commerce. Lincoln's administration aimed to ensure the protection of American citizens in China, secure American trade interests, and promote a policy of free trade that would benefit both nations.

Diplomatic Efforts

One of the key figures in Lincoln's China policy was Anson Burlingame, who was appointed as the U.S. Minister to China in 1861. Burlingame worked to improve Sino-American relations and advocated for equal treatment of all foreign countries in China. His efforts culminated in the Burlingame Treaty of 1868, although this was after Lincoln's presidency. The treaty, which was influenced by the groundwork laid during Lincoln's time, recognized China's sovereignty and aimed to encourage Chinese immigration to the U.S. under favorable conditions.

Trade Relations

Trade between the U.S. and China during the Lincoln administration continued despite the distractions of the Civil War. The trade was primarily in tea, silk, and porcelain from China, and in cotton, machinery, and arms from the U.S. The administration supported American merchants in China and worked to ensure that they could operate under the same conditions as their European counterparts, striving for a level playing field in the face of the Unequal Treaties that favored European powers.

Impact

The China service of the Lincoln administration laid the groundwork for improved U.S.-China relations. It represented an early effort by the U.S. to establish a more equitable and respectful international order, at least in its dealings with China. While the immediate impacts were limited by the domestic focus on the Civil War, the administration's policies towards China were part of a broader vision for America's role in the world, emphasizing diplomacy and commerce over colonial conquest.

Legacy

The efforts of the Lincoln administration in China are often overshadowed by the Civil War and Lincoln's domestic achievements. However, they are an important part of the history of U.S.-China relations and reflect the broader themes of American foreign policy in the 19th century. The administration's approach to China set a precedent for future U.S. diplomacy, emphasizing mutual respect and the benefits of trade.