Imperialism & The Open Door Policy

The Beginning of Open Door...

• For over a century, major European imperial powers, Japan, and the US wanted access to Chinese markets
• Americans promoted missionary/humanitarian activities there
• Growing division of China into “spheres of influence” by outside powers caused Americans to fear their citizens/businesses in China to be in jeopardy.
• Secretary of State John Hay issued the Open Door Notes to assert American interests in China.

Spheres of Influence Map

http://civclients.com/nehint/china/imperial.html

​

Spheres of Influence

• Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan divided China into “spheres of influence”
• A region of a state in which another state has a level of cultural, economic, military, or political exclusivity. There may be a formal alliance or treaty between the influence and influencer, but it is not necessary - influence is often more an example of soft power.
• U.S. favors an open and equal access to China
• “Open Door Policy” will ensure America’s economic position is protected in China

John Hay’s Open Door Note

• Read as a class!
• Discuss:
• What is John’s main point?
• What are supporting points?
• Any evidence to support this?
• What is John’s tone of the note?
• Any underlying issues he has?

Your Turn! Six Groups...

• Your group is assigned a text document that has to do with (an) event(s) surrounding the Open Door Notes by Hay.
• Read the document with your group, and make notes of the main points this document has about an “Open Door” or something in response to Hay.

​

Exit Ticket

1-2 sentences for each question...

• What impact do you think the Open Door Notes had on American foreign policy?
• Do you think the notes were effective? Why or why not?
• What were the short-term successes of this policy, if any?