Chapter 18-3: Critical Thinking # 4

How was U.S. policy toward China different from U.S. policy toward the Philippines? To what can you attribute the difference?

The U.S. policy toward China was different from the U.S. policy toward the Philippines. The policy towards the Philippines was very similar to what had happened to Puerto Rico. Once many African American soldiers had rebelled and became friends with the Philippines, the United States took three years to get everything back under control. Once the power was back into their hands, they established a government, like they did for Puerto Rico, where they would appoint a governor, who would appoint the legislature's upper house. The Philippines could only elect the lower house of the legislature. After a while of the Americans ruling the Philippines, they finally became independent and became a republic on July 7, 1946 (p.561).
While the U.S. had ruled the Philippines, like Puerto Rico, they saw China as a potential market for American products. Even though China was weaker at this time, from war and foreign intervention, the United States feared that China would turn into different colonies and American traders would be left out (p.562). In fear, the U.S. Secretary of State John Hay enforced letter that were called the Open Door notes, to protect American interests.
While China could keep its freedom, the Philippines were controlled differently by the United States because they were seen as the "gateway to the rest of Asia" (p.562). Basically, China did not get over-powered by the U.S. government because the United States needed to remain on their good side for economical growth.