How did U.S. foreign policy at the turn from the 19th to 20th century affect actions taken by the United States towards China?

Check this site for your answer.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_diplomatic_history#19th_century

actually, i don't really get what's the question asking. Can you please explain?

The question wants to know how U.S. foreign policy affected our relations with China at the beginning of the 20th century. On the Wikipedia foreign policy timeline, note the events of 1899 and 1900. Click on the links for more information about those events.

To understand how U.S. foreign policy at the turn from the 19th to 20th century affected actions taken towards China, we need to consider a few key factors and events during that time.

1. Open Door Policy: The U.S. had an interest in maintaining access to China's markets and resources. In 1899, U.S. Secretary of State John Hay proposed the Open Door Policy, which called for equal trading and commercial opportunities in China for all nations. This policy aimed to prevent the colonization or division of China among exclusive powers, ensuring that the United States would have equal access to Chinese trade and markets.

2. Boxer Rebellion: In 1900, the Boxer Rebellion erupted in China. This violent anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising posed a threat to foreigners in China, including Americans. The U.S. joined a multinational force to suppress the rebellion and protect its citizens and interests in China. This event further shaped U.S. foreign policy towards China, as it highlighted the need to maintain a presence and protect American interests in the region.

3. Open Door Principle: In 1900, as a result of the Boxer Rebellion, Secretary of State John Hay issued the Open Door Notes, reaffirming the Open Door Policy. These notes sought to secure agreement among major powers, including Britain, Germany, Russia, Japan, and France, to respect Chinese territorial integrity, maintain open trade, and preserve spheres of influence in China. This policy demonstrated the U.S. commitment to maintaining access to China's markets and resources on equal terms with other powers.

4. Russo-Japanese War and the Treaty of Portsmouth: In 1904-1905, the Russo-Japanese War occurred, with both Russia and Japan vying for control over territories and interests in East Asia, including China. The U.S., acting as a peace mediator, brokered the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, which ended the war. During these negotiations, the U.S. sought to maintain a balance of power in the region and ensure that China's interests were not disregarded or violated. This further demonstrated the U.S. interest in maintaining stability and influence in East Asia, including China.

In summary, U.S. foreign policy at the turn from the 19th to 20th century affected actions taken towards China by promoting the Open Door Policy to secure equal trading and commercial opportunities, participating in the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion to protect American interests, issuing the Open Door Notes to reaffirm access to China's markets, and mediating the Russo-Japanese War to safeguard regional stability.