008. The US Founders and China

At a meeting organized by the Committee of 100, Bill Moyers addressed the History of Chinese in America. In his speech, he told his audience that James Madison (1751-1836) wanted to learn Chinese agricultural techniques. James Monroe (1758-11831)and Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)“admired China's political disengagement as a mark of superiority and independence.” The colonists, including George Washington (1732-1799), in North America, “prized Chinese wallpaper, silk canopies, vases, and lacquered screens.” Washington bought many porcelain dinner wares from China traders in his life. You can access his speech from this link.