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.
Chapter 1. Ideas from the East: The Founders Used Chinese Wisdom to Build a Flourishing Society
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 U.S. History
Chapter 5. Trade with the East: The Founders’ Efforts to Open China Trade
Chapter 6. Confucianism in the Making of U.S. Democracy
Chapter 7. The Founders’ Legacy