Which treaty established immigration principles between the U.S. and China while promoting Chinese labor to come to America?

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Prepare for UCF's AMH2020 U.S. History exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The Burlingame Treaty is the correct response because it was a pivotal agreement between the United States and China, ratified in 1868, that set the foundations for Chinese immigration and labor in America. This treaty recognized the importance of free migration and allowed for the unrestricted movement of Chinese laborers to the United States, which significantly influenced the labor market, particularly in the western states during the construction of railroads.

In contrast, the Chinese Exclusion Act was a U.S. federal law passed in 1882 that significantly restricted Chinese immigration, reflecting a period of increasing anti-Chinese sentiment rather than promoting labor. The Open Door Policy, established in the late 19th century, focused on ensuring equal trading rights for all nations in China and did not specifically address labor or immigration issues. Meanwhile, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, primarily dealt with territorial gains and did not pertain to immigration between the U.S. and China. Thus, the Burlingame Treaty stands out as the agreement specifically aimed at fostering Chinese immigration and labor.