The Roberts Treaty of 1833 was the first treaty between Siam and the United States and the first U.S. treaty with any Asian nation.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 20 March 1833
- Date entered into force
- 14 April 1836
- First U.S. treaty with
- An Asian nation
- Superseded by
- Series of treaties beginning 1921
- Current successor treaty
- Treaty signed in 1966, still in force
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In the early nineteenth century, the United States sought to expand commercial and diplomatic ties beyond Europe and the Americas. Siam, as a regional power in Southeast Asia, represented a valuable partner for trade. Envoy Edmund Roberts was dispatched to negotiate formal relations, reflecting American interest in accessing Asian markets.
On 20 March 1833, Siam and the United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, known as the Roberts Treaty. The agreement established peaceful relations and facilitated commerce between the two states. After ratification by both parties, it entered into force on 14 April 1836, marking the first formal diplomatic accord between the United States and any Asian nation.
The treaty inaugurated a lasting diplomatic relationship between Siam and the United States that has generally continued to the present day. Though the 1833 treaty itself was eventually superseded by a series of subsequent agreements beginning in 1921, a successor treaty signed in 1966 remains in force and is listed in the current U.S. Treaties in Force.
Political Outcome
Established peaceful relations and commerce between Siam and the United States; entered into force 14 April 1836; replaced by subsequent treaties beginning 1921.