Open Door Policy
The US policy that allowed for trade in China open to all countries equally
Real World Example
The Open Door Policy was a principle proposed by the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to ensure all countries could trade equally with China, preventing any single nation from dominating Chinese markets. At the time, European powers and Japan were carving out spheres of influence in China, potentially limiting U.S. access to trade. The policy was important because it aimed to protect American interests in Asia without resorting to colonization or military conflict. Today, the concept of open and fair trade is still relevant as countries negotiate agreements to ensure goods and services flow freely across borders, affecting global economies. For example, when you buy a smartphone made from parts sourced worldwide, you're benefiting from policies that encourage international trade, similar to the Open Door Policy's goals of equal market access.