Why did the United States develop the Open Door Policy toward China at the turn of the twentieth century?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Weakened by years of warfare and rebellion, China was being divided by different European
countries and Japan into “spheres of influence,” giving these countries exclusive economic rights.
2. The United States felt its hope for trade with China was being threatened by division of that
country and outlined a new China policy in 1898.
3. The Open Door Policy was developed by Secretary of State John Hay, who sent diplomatic notes to the countries who had spheres of influence in China. The policy urged that nations respect the rights of other nations within their spheres, that China be allowed to continue collecting tariff duties in all spheres, and that nations not discriminate against other nations in levying port duties or railroad rates in their respective spheres.
4. Britain approved the Open Door Policy, Russia declined to approve it, and the other nations sent evasive replies, although Secretary of State Hay, hoping to encourage acceptance by all nations, announced that all the powers had accepted the policy.