Historical Context (Why was the US interested in China? What happened in China before the U.S. government arrived?

Well there were a few reasons.

During the late 19th century there was the Gold Mining that was extremely popular in the U.S. People trying to become rich from finding gold in these mines. People from China actually immigrated to the United States during this time, hoping to escape from the economic “disaster” (as some would say).

The U.S. itself wasn’t too interested in China as in trade or economic beneficiaries. However, buisnesses appreciated having Chinease workers — one, because they would often work harder and two, they could pay them less.