John Hay was an American statesman, diplomat, and writer who served as the private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln and later as the Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. He played a key role in shaping US foreign policy and was a prominent figure in late 19th-century American politics. Hay is best known for his contributions to the Open Door Policy in China and for his involvement in the Spanish-American War. Known for his diplomatic skills and eloquent writing, John Hay was a respected figure in American history.