Bogdanova T. J. Hay and American-English relations in China (1897-1900). Manuscript

The dissertation is devoted to the comprehensive analysis of the role of Secretary of the State J. Hay in development of American and British relations in China in 1897-1900. In the 80-90s of the 19th century there were favorable conditions for closer relations between the USA and Great Britain while pursuing a policy in China. It was connected with the rise of Russian influence in the Qing Empire which was considered to be a threat to commercial interests in London and Washington. As a result, the ruling circles were of the opinion that a new foreign-policy strategy has to be created to eliminate the Russian threat and to increase an influence of Anglo-Saxon countries. When J. Hay took a post of Secretary of the State in 1898, he decided to accomplish this mission. Nevertheless, he didn't want to be a mouthpiece of Britain. Quite the contrary, he conceptualized his own foreign-policy idea that had to reflect the American trade interests in China. Using oratory of English people about "free trade", he insisted on opening the markets of the Qing Empire for foreign goods. This idea was the basis of the doctrine of open-door policy which was completely conceptualized in the spring of 1899. In July 1900, he made statements about the new doctrine and called to eliminate any privileges of western countries in China. At the same time, when this note was addressed, London refused to aggravate the relations with Washington and started to look for new partners in the Far East.