Final answer:
The United States and Europe were eager to access the lucrative Asian markets, recognizing the potential for economic growth. The Open Door notes were an American strategy to penetrate the Chinese market without colonial entanglements. International trade has been pivotal for economic prosperity, as evidenced by the success of nations that have fully embraced it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States and Europe sought to open Asia up to international trade because they envisioned the vast untapped markets and the potential for economic expansion. Asia was ideal for trade due to its large populations, cultural wealth, and resources that were either scarce or unavailable in the Western world. European empires and the United States realized that control over these markets and resources was crucial for their commercial success and economic growth. The Open Door notes, for example, were a strategy by the U.S. to ensure an open and unobstructed access to the Chinese market, without engaging in territorial claims that were common amongst other European powers.
The nation with the second largest impact in exploration and trade in Asia was likely the Netherlands, due to their control over the Dutch East Indies, which is present-day Indonesia. However, their influence was surpassed by the British, whose extensive empire and naval power allowed them to dominate trade routes and establish key trading posts and colonies throughout Asia. The notable goods received by Europeans from trading with Asia included silk, spices, tea, and porcelain.
Benjamin Franklin's assertion that 'No nation was ever ruined by trade' underscores the importance of international trade in fostering economic prosperity. Historical examples like Japan and the East Asian Tiger economies further illustrate the benefits of engaging in global markets. Trade agreements like NAFTA reflect modern efforts to reduce trade barriers, supporting the narrative that open trade is vital for robust economies.