EPISODE · Sep 23, 2022 · 49 MIN
The Treaty With China by Mark Twain ~ Full Audiobook [history]
from Classic Audiobook Collection · host Classic Audiobook Collection LLC
The Treaty With China by Mark Twain audiobook. Genre: history First published in the New York Tribune on August 28, 1868, The Treaty With China, its Provisions Explained is Mark Twain at his most sharp-eyed and plainspoken, turning a dense diplomatic document into a lively, provocative listening experience. With the newly concluded U.S.-China treaty (often associated with diplomat Anson Burlingame) as his framework, Twain walks the listener article by article through what the agreement actually says, why each clause exists, and who stands to gain or lose. He translates legal phrasing into everyday language, then widens the lens to the realities of foreign power in China, the pressures of trade and extraterritorial privilege, and the long history of mistrust created by meddling outsiders. Back in the United States, he aims his wit at the politics of immigration and the cruelty and hypocrisy faced by Chinese residents, especially on the Pacific coast, while also addressing issues like religious liberty, consular protection, and the fight against coerced labor. Part civics lesson, part moral argument, Twain's commentary asks what a fair international relationship should look like when prejudice and profit are both on the table. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:23:59) Chapter 02 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
The Treaty With China by Mark Twain audiobook. Genre: history First published in the New York Tribune on August 28, 1868, The Treaty With China, its Provisions Explained is Mark Twain at his most sharp-eyed and plainspoken, turning a dense diplomatic document into a lively, provocative listening experience. With the newly concluded U.S.-China treaty (often associated with diplomat Anson Burlingame) as his framework, Twain walks the listener article by article through what the agreement actually says, why each clause exists, and who stands to gain or lose. He translates legal phrasing into everyday language, then widens the lens to the realities of foreign power in China, the pressures of trade and extraterritorial privilege, and the long history of mistrust created by meddling outsiders. Back in the United States, he aims his wit at the politics of immigration and the cruelty and hypocrisy faced by Chinese residents, especially on the Pacific coast, while also addressing issues like religious liberty, consular protection, and the fight against coerced labor. Part civics lesson, part moral argument, Twain's commentary asks what a fair international relationship should look like when prejudice and profit are both on the table. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:23:59) Chapter 02 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOW PLAYING
The Treaty With China by Mark Twain ~ Full Audiobook [history]
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 3, 2026 ·44m
Feb 21, 2026 ·30m
Dec 17, 2025 ·30m
Dec 11, 2025 ·26m
Dec 11, 2025 ·29m
Dec 11, 2025 ·33m