Question 3 of 4
Why did the United States want an open door policy with China?
A.
to take over Chinese trade from European nations
B.
to increase trade with China
C.
to expand the U.S. sphere of influence
D.
to secure special trading privileges
B. to increase trade with China
The correct answer is A. to take over Chinese trade from European nations.
To understand why the United States wanted an open door policy with China, we need to evaluate each answer choice and determine which one aligns with the purpose of the policy.
A) To take over Chinese trade from European nations: While the United States did want to compete with European countries for trading opportunities in China, the goal was not specifically to take over Chinese trade from them. This answer choice is not entirely accurate.
B) To increase trade with China: This answer is accurate. One of the main reasons for the open door policy was to expand trade between the United States and China. The policy aimed at ensuring equal trading opportunities and preventing any one country from dominating China economically.
C) To expand the U.S. sphere of influence: While the open door policy indirectly expanded U.S. influence in China, the primary goal was to ensure open access to Chinese markets rather than exerting control over Chinese territory. Therefore, this answer choice is not entirely accurate.
D) To secure special trading privileges: This answer choice is not entirely accurate. The open door policy aimed to establish fair and equal trading opportunities for all countries, rather than securing special privileges exclusively for the United States.
Based on the evaluation above, the most accurate answer is B) to increase trade with China. The open door policy was designed to promote trade between the United States and China by ensuring open access to Chinese markets for all nations.