The China History Podcast Ep. 361 | McKinley, Tariffs, and the Open Door Policy
Apr 2, 2025
The discussion dives into William McKinley's high tariff policies and their impact on American industries. It examines the shifting trade dynamics between the U.S. and China in the 1890s, spotlighting America's aspirations as a Pacific power. The narrative reveals the complexities of late 19th-century American imperialism, illustrated through political cartoons. Additionally, it highlights the evolution of U.S.-China relations and the lasting effects of China's century of humiliation. Historical lessons emphasize the need for improved international relations.
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McKinley's Tariffs
- President Trump's tariffs have been compared to McKinley's 1890 tariff act, which raised average tariffs to 48%.
- This act, like Trump's, caused inflation, hurt farmers, and led to retaliatory tariffs.
US-China Trade in the 1890s
- In the 1890s, American manufacturers faced overproduction and saw the China market as a solution.
- The U.S. became a Pacific power in 1898, acquiring the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii.
The Scramble for Concessions
- The 1895 Sino-Japanese war and the scramble for concessions alarmed American businesses in China.
- They formed lobbying groups like the American Asiatic Association to protect their interests.