Fans of an alternative story would be interested to know that at the beginning of the twentieth century, China could become such a South Korea. The reason for this is the “open door” doctrine. The world would then be completely different, although it would hardly save people from the dominance of Chinese goods. But first things first.
The essence of the doctrine of "open doors"
The United States sought to subjugate China. To do this, in 1899, a doctrine was formulated that embodied the principles of the American government’s policy towards China. It implied equal access to capital and goods in the colony of European powers.
The purpose of the doctrine was to enable the United States to overcome barriers from other states in order to gain a foothold in the entire Chinese market.
Doctrine creator
Those who have put forward the doctrine of "open doors" are considered US statesman John Milton Hay. At this time, he served as Secretary of State for his country, that is, he was the main one in the foreign policy of the United States.
In addition to the doctrine, Hay is known for a contract with the government of Panama to provide a zone for the construction of a famous canal.
What did the USA count on?
Towards the end of the nineteenth century, world powers began the struggle to seize vast territories in China. The country began to be divided into spheres of influence. The United States was late in this section. The state wanted to establish itself in China, therefore, declared "equal opportunities." This meant that the Asian country should not be controlled by a separate power, but by the international community. Thus, the US government and its industrial and financial circles were about to infiltrate China.
The “open door” doctrine formally recognized the division of the Asian state into spheres of influence. But the American government wanted its organizations and entrepreneurs to have the same tariffs and benefits that the national "commercial organizations" had. What did other world powers think about this?
Accession of other states
The doctrine of "open doors" was addressed to such states as Great Britain, Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Japan. All of them reacted differently to the statement formulated by Hay.
Most governments have tried to evade a direct response. Great Britain, France and Russia did not directly object, but made various reservations. So, France agreed to the terms of "open doors", but only on officially leased lands in China.
Be that as it may, in 1900 the United States announced that the states listed above had acceded to the doctrine of "open doors" in China. The governments of powers did not support or deny such a statement.
Japan is an adversary of doctrine
The land of the rising sun has long sought to get Manchuria. After the end of the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, it was able to establish itself in this territory. Japan immediately closed access to Manchuria from US commercial organizations.
In 1915, Japan presented the Twenty-One Demands to the Chinese government. It was contrary to the doctrine of "open doors." The US protested, but an agreement was signed. Since 1917, “special interests” in China have been recognized for Japan. In 1919, Germany refused in favor of the Land of the Rising Sun from its possessions in China. These events have seriously spoiled relations between Japan and the United States. In the thirties of the last century, the Japanese began the capture of Northeast China. Soon they succeeded.
In 1934, the country publicly abandoned the Hey doctrine. Three years later, she started a war to conquer all of China. Next was a long and exhausting war for everyone.
