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.
43:49
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Quick takeaways
- The significant increase in tariffs during McKinley's presidency exemplifies the ongoing tension between economic protectionism and free trade in U.S.-China relations.
- The open-door policy, aimed at ensuring equal trading rights in China, highlighted the imbalance of foreign powers' interests over China's own needs and sovereignty.
Deep dives
The Impact of Tariffs on U.S.-China Relations
The discussion highlights the significance of tariffs in shaping U.S.-China relations, particularly through historical lenses. William McKinley's Tariff Act of 1890, which raised tariffs significantly, laid the groundwork for similar measures in contemporary politics, where tariffs are used as tools for economic protectionism. This pattern of imposing tariffs has had mixed outcomes, where they protected certain U.S. industries while simultaneously causing inflation and retaliatory measures that adversely affected American farmers and consumers. The comparison made between McKinley's era and recent tariff policies reveals a continuity in the debate over protectionism versus free trade that remains relevant today.
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