Why was it important to expand American influence in China?
(1 point)
Responses
strategic naval bases
strategic naval bases
lucrative trade markets
lucrative trade markets
expanding Christian beliefs
expanding Christian beliefs
slowing foreign immigration
There are multiple reasons why it was important for the United States to expand its influence in China:
1. Strategic naval bases: Expanding American influence in China would provide the United States with the opportunity to establish strategic naval bases. These bases would allow the American military to maintain a strong presence and project power in the Pacific region. This is especially significant given the growing competition between major powers in the region.
2. Lucrative trade markets: China has one of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world. Expanding American influence in China would provide access to this lucrative trade market, allowing American businesses to increase exports and tap into the Chinese consumer base. This could lead to increased economic prosperity for the United States.
3. Expanding Christian beliefs: Some Americans saw expanding American influence in China as an opportunity to spread Christian beliefs. This was especially significant during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Christian missionary work was seen as an important aspect of American foreign policy and cultural influence.
4. Slowing foreign immigration: The United States saw expanding influence in China as a means of slowing down the influx of Chinese immigrants into the country. At certain points in history, there was anti-Chinese sentiment and fear of "yellow peril" in the United States. By exerting influence in China, it was believed that the United States could address the root causes of Chinese immigration and control the flow of immigrants to America.