America's First Adventure in China: Trade, Treaties, Opium, and Salvation (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781439906897)

In 1784, when Americans first voyaged to China, they confronted Chinese authorities who were unaware that the United States even existed. Nevertheless, a long, complicated, and fruitful trade relationship was born after American traders, missionaries, diplomats, and others sailed to China with lofty ambitions: to acquire fabulous wealth, convert China to Christianity, and even command a Chinese army.
In "America's First Adventure in China," John Haddad provides a colorful history of the evolving cultural exchange and interactions between these countries. He recounts how American expatriates adopted a pragmatic attitude-as well as an entrepreneurial spirit and improvisational approach-to their dealings with the Chinese. Haddad shows how opium played a potent role in the dreams of Americans who either smuggled it or opposed its importation, and he considers the missionary movement that compelled individuals to accept a hard life in an alien culture.
As a result of their efforts, Americans achieved a favorable outcomeOCothey established a unique presence in ChinaOCoand cultivated a relationship whose complexities continue to grow.


Author: John R. Haddad
ISBN-10: 1439906890
ISBN-13: 9781439906897
Publisher: Temple University Press
Language: English
Published: 03/29/2013
Pages: 264
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.10d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 03/18/2013
Library Journal 05/01/2013 pg. 91
Choice 09/01/2013