These treaties, counted by the Chinese among the unequal treaties, opened more Chinese ports to foreign trade, permitted foreign legations in the Chinese capital Beijing, allowed Christian missionary activity, and effectively legalized the import of opium.

The Russian treaty was negotiated by Yevfimiy Putyatin and finalized on June 13;[2] the American treaty was negotiated by William Bradford Reed and finalized on June 18;[3] the British treaty was negotiated by James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, and finalized on June 26;[4] and the French treaty was negotiated by Jean-Baptiste-Louis Gros and finalized on June 27.

[5] Following the pattern set by the great powers of Europe, the United States took on a protectionist stance, built up its navy, and tried to create a mercantile empire.

The United States was one of the leading "treaty powers" in China, forcing open a total of 23 foreign concessions from the Chinese government.

The term "concession" refers to a long-term lease of land to a foreign power, under which the foreign nation has complete control of the land, which is governed by consular representatives.