Andrew Jampoler is a retired naval aviator, he spent over 20 years in active duty in the US Navy. After his retirement he became a full time researcher and writer, mainly about naval history. He is the author of seven books.
Most people think that America’s first pivot in Asia started after the Second World War,but Jampoler in Embassy To The Eastern Courts America’s Secret First Pivot Toward Asia 1832-37 argues America’s first pivot in Asia began during the early 1800s during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. During the Napoleonic War it was difficult for American merchant ships to have trade with Europe. The Congress asked Andrew Jackson for the solution, he chose an unqualified and unskilled Edmund Roberts to become a diplomat to Asia. Jackson chose an unqualified person because major European powers such as England, France, Spain and Dutch presented in Asia for commerce and he wanted to keep this mission as secret as possible.
Edmund Roberts had two voyages in Asia, the first one during 1832-1834 with USS Peacock and USS Boxer and the second voyage during 1835-1837 with USS Peacock and USS Enterprise. Most of Robert’s diplomatic missions were successful and he managed to improve United States trade with Asia. Also, few such as his mission to Cochina China (Vietnam) under emperor Minh Mang did not end well. Mang’s empire was isolated, there were cultural differences between Roberts and the emperor, so he asked him to leave his dominion. Roberts spent a few days at Macao, he was preparing to have a diplomatic mission to Japan, he got sick and died in Macau.
I really enjoyed this book, it is very easy to follow, I definitely recommend this book to any naval or US history enthusiast. ( )