1894- War breaks out between china+japan. Japan wins easily, exposing china’s weakness.

  • 1895-1900- American Exports to china increased by 4 times. American business leaders were really excited about china’s potential.

  • 1899- U.S secretary of state john hay sends notes to countries with leasholds in china asking them to allow the U.S to trade in their sphere. The countries agree as long as all other countries agree.