The Spheres of Influenced meant that different countries (such as Britain, France, and the U.S.,) were able to control parts of the eastern coast of China and build up not only the area they occupy, but also structure the government.
An example can be found in the British's sphere-of-influence, in the city of Hong Kong, where the government (though recently eradicated) had a more democratic government that modeled the British government.
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