Final answer:
The Open Door policy aimed at ensuring free trade within China with equal opportunities for all foreign nations without special privileges. It also respected China's right to control its own tariffs and ensured that all nations provided free access to their ports within their spheres of influence. The policy was particularly advantageous for the U.S., as it allowed for the efficient and high-quality American goods to be competitive in the Chinese market.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Open Door policy was a major U.S. initiative designed to ensure doors to free trade in China, with no special tariffs or controls. Here are the answers to your queries:
- All foreign countries had to pay taxes equally. Yes, this was the idea, to establish equal taxation among all powers.
- Foreign countries with spheres of influence in China were exempt from taxes. No, they were not exempt; the policy aimed to prevent such privileges.
- Only the Chinese government could collect tariffs on trade. Yes, this was stipulated to respect China's sovereignty and maintain its territorial integrity.
- Countries with a sphere of influence should maintain free access to their ports. Yes, the Open Door notes required countries to maintain free access to treaty ports.
- The United States would oversee the continuance of the Open Door policy. Yes, while not explicitly stated, it was implied as the U.S. was instrumental in its enforcement.
The Open Door policy favored the U.S. because American businesses were producing higher-quality goods more efficiently and at lower cost. As a result, free trade would allow American goods to compete strongly in the Chinese market.