How did the USA's policy towards China evolve from 1899 to 1931?

The policy of the United States towards China from 1899 to 1931 saw a notable shift towards isolationism, particularly after 1922. Initially, the U.S. adopted an interventionist stance, exemplified by the Open Door Policy, which sought to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and to prevent colonization. During this period, the U.S. was also involved in military actions and interventions, such as during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.

However, as the 1920s progressed, the global context changed. The aftermath of World War I, along with domestic concerns such as the desire to focus on internal issues and the effects of the Great Depression, led to a decrease in overseas engagement. The U.S. began to prioritize more isolationist policies, reducing its military presence and focusing instead on diplomatic efforts and trade relations.

By 1931, with the rise of militarism in Japan and subsequent conflicts in Asia, the U.S. approach reflected a cautious stance, emphasizing economic relations rather than military interventions, further aligning with the isolationist sentiments prevalent in American society at the time. This evolution towards isolationism in the 1920s distinctly characterizes the U.S. policy towards China during this period