Question

The Open Door policy: The US was definitely worried about the spheres of influence Britain and France had in China. US Secretary of State John Hay advocated for the Open Door Policy, which lasted until World War II. Imperialist powers in Europe, who wanted to have absolute and sole control of their territory, didn't want other countries to be able to access their sphere of influence.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The statement about the Open Door Policy is false; the policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations within China's spheres of influence, not to prevent access to them.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about the Open Door Policy is false. It incorrectly suggests that the policy aimed to prevent other countries from accessing the spheres of influence held by imperialist powers in China, while in reality, the Open Door notes drafted by U.S. Secretary of State John Hay proposed that all nations would have their trading rights respected within these spheres. It was meant to ensure that no single nation gained excessive control and advantages over others, promoting equal trade opportunities for all powers operating within China. By advocating for the Open Door Policy, the United States sought equal access to China's lucrative market, supporting the growth in American economic power without the complexity of territorial control.