Definition: Open Door Policy (scroll down for answer)       Definition: Open Door Policy, 1899 1. The policy was negotiated by Secretary of State John Hay. 2. It said that China was open to all countries who wanted to trade. Of course, China had no say in this, as they were carved into zones controlled by foreigners known as spheres of influence.  Generally, the policy was created to protect American trading interests in China. They did not want to lose Chinese trade to other European countries. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters