This book discusses examples of how the U.S. Founding Fathers were influenced and inspired by Chinese agriculture, architecture, and philosophy. China, then one of the most stable and powerful civilizations in the world, offered unique perspectives on various aspects of society which were distinct from the Founding Fathers European heritage. China provided an alternative set of social and political frameworks which supported the Founding Fathers efforts to craft a unique heritage for their young nation. These Founders sought to establish a political identity that was distinct from European aristocratic traditions.

Dave Xueliang Wang has taught at the University of Arizona and St. Johns University.

List of Figures

List of Tables

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: Ideas from the East: The Founders Used Chinese Wisdom to Build a Flourishing Society

Chapter 2: Technologies from the East: How the Founders Leveraged Chinese Technologies in the North American Colonies

Chapter 3: Plants from the East: The Founders Efforts to Transplant Chinese Plants to North America

Chapter 4: The Influence of Chinese Material Culture on Early US History

Chapter 5: Trade with the East: The Founders Efforts to Open China Trade

Chapter 6: Confucianism in the Making of US Democracy

Chapter 7: The Founders Legacy

Epilogue

Bibliography

Index

About the Author