Who was the U.S. diplomat that negotiated the Treaty of Wanghia with China?

• A. William Lloyd Garrison
• B. Caleb Cushing
• C. Daniel Webster
• D. Harriet Tubman

Answer: (B)

Caleb Cushing was the U.S. diplomat who negotiated the Treaty of Wanghia in 1844. This treaty was significant as it established a formal diplomatic relationship between the United States and China, marking the first instance of a treaty between China and a Western nation. Cushing aimed to promote American trade interests in China and secured important commercial rights for American merchants, including extraterritoriality, which protected them from Chinese law. His negotiation efforts opened up trade opportunities and represented a pivotal moment in U.S.-China relations during the early 19th century. This context highlights how influential Cushing's role was in shaping America’s presence in Asia.