THE UNITED STATES AND THAILAND, 1833-1940

This study examines the history of American-Thai relations from 1833 to 1940. In doing so, it focuses on the changing power relationships existing among the United States and other nations, particularly Britain in east Asia. The basic mode of interpretation used in analyzing the history of American-Thai relations was to use a balance of power model or realist approach as it pertains to diplomacy.;Chapter II presents the early role of the United States within the balance of power setting in Asia and Thailand that existed from 1833 to 1903. The United States, as a revisionist nation, both challenged and imitated Britain, the most powerful European nation in east Asia (particularly as it related to Thailand). The United States began its official relation with Thailand by concluding a treaty in 1833. Also, this chapter examines the role of American missionaries, American traders, and American knowledge about Thailand.;Chapter III describes the American presence in east Asia and Thailand from 1903 to 1915. Americans began to challenge British influence when one of its nationals held the post of general adviser to the Thai government. Americans, as general advisers, helped increase American influence in Thailand after the decline of missionary influence. This chapter also examines American trade and how America gained more information about Thailand.;Chapter IV elaborates on the American role in east Asia with special emphasis on Thailand from 1916 to 1940. Americans continued to maintain their influence in Thailand relative to that of the British, even after the Thai government discontinued the post of general adviser and established the new position of adviser in foreign affairs in 1916. Americans held this latter post until 1940. Both American and British influence in Thailand decreased after the 1932 Revolution. This chapter also examines the improvement in the American understanding of the Thais.;Chapter V, a summary essay, presents a broad view of America's place in southeast Asia and Thailand after 1940. The United States became the dominant power in Thailand after World War II, replacing Britain and Japan.;Chapter VI presents nine teachers' guides to primary sources related to this dissertation. These teachers' guides seek to develop critical thinking skills in Thai students who read these primary documents.