Why did the United States formulate the Open Door Policy toward China, ultimately contributing to the Boxer Rebellion?
The United States formulated the Open Door Policy toward China for several reasons, which ultimately contributed to the Boxer Rebellion.
1. Economic Interests: The United States had a growing interest in China's vast market for trade and investment. They wanted equal access to China's resources and markets without facing discrimination or exclusive privileges given to other imperial powers.
2. Fear of Exclusion: The US was concerned about being excluded from the Chinese market due to the spheres of influence established by other imperial powers, such as Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. These countries had carved out specific territories in China, limiting the access and opportunities for other nations.
3. Protection of American Citizens and Property: The US had a significant number of missionaries, businessmen, and citizens living in China. Ensuring their safety and protecting their interests became a priority for US policymakers.
4. Ideological Beliefs: The US believed in principles like free trade, equal opportunity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. They saw the Open Door Policy as a way to promote these principles and counter the influence of European powers, who they saw as pursuing their own self-interests.
However, the US formulation of the Open Door Policy ultimately contributed to the Boxer Rebellion due to a perception among the Chinese population that the policy was undermining their sovereignty. The Boxers, a group of Chinese nationalists, arose in response to foreign imperialism and viewed the Open Door Policy as another attempt by foreign powers to exert control over China. They targeted foreign missionaries, businessmen, and citizens, leading to a violent uprising against foreign presence in China.