Progressivism and the Open Door

During the progressive era, most American policymakers agreed that China represented a land of unlimited opportunity for trade, investment and social reform. Serious divisions existed, however, over policy tactics. One side (mainly manufacturers and academics) advocated a unilateral policy of penetration allied only with Chinese modernizers. The other (primarily financiers and reformists), called for an alliance with other powers, especially Japan, in their dealings with China. In Progressivism