What policy did Secretary of State John Hay articulate in 1899 regarding China? The Sphere of Influence Policy The Open Door Policy The Equal Trade Opportunity Policy The Free Market Policy

## Step 1<br />The question is asking about a specific policy that John Hay, the Secretary of State in 1899, articulated regarding China. The options provided are: The Sphere of Influence Policy, The Open Door Policy, The Equal Trade Opportunity Policy, and The Free Market Policy.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The correct answer is The Open Door Policy. This policy was articulated by John Hay in 1899. The Open Door Policy was a diplomatic initiative that aimed to ensure that all nations could trade with China on an equal footing.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The Open Door Policy was a response to the increasing influence of European powers in China. The policy was designed to prevent any single nation from gaining control over China, which would have disrupted trade with the United States.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The Open Door Policy was a significant step in the history of U.S.-China relations. It was a diplomatic initiative that aimed to ensure that all nations could trade with China on an equal footing.