American Foreign Policy Before and During World War II
During the years before the second world war, America adopted an isolationist approach to foreign policy. After suffering casualties and experiencing conflict in World War I, it was most likely true that the general American attitude towards foreign interaction was cautious and unwilling. Indicative of this feeling was Congress' denial of U.S. entry into the League of Nations, signifying that the government was simply not ready to become involved with other countries at the time, even if the League of Nations had contributed to global security. The biggest factor, and one that could have ultimately forced the issue, was Article X of the League of Nations Covenant. Known as the "Collective Security Clause", it stated that members would be obligated to "respect and preserve as against external aggression the territorial integrity and existing political independence " of other members. Wary of entangling itself with other nations and feeling legally bound to do so, Congress decided against taking such actions and remaining neutral.During the early1930s, American policies showed the country's continued agenda towards establishing a neutral position. In the midst of the Depression, the London Economic Conference was created, hoping to stabilize the international economy. President Roosevelt declined to send any American delegates, effectively sinking the entire conference. Later on, Roosevelt declared his "Good Neighbor Policy", removing U.S. troops stationed in areas in the Caribbean and Central America, aiming to foster better relations with Latin American nations.
As totalitarian dictators took power, the United States tightened down on their isolationist strategies. During 1934-1937, Congress passed series of acts that sought to protect and isolate the United States economically. The Neutrality Acts stated that any country involved in a foreign war recognized by the president was not able to receive loans or any other aid from the United States. This extreme policy separated America even further from other nations, possibly creating an even worse situation.
Isolationism-Achievable or Unrealistic?
Since George Washington's famous Farewell Address advocating the United States to not become involved in foreign affairs, the topic of isolationism has been brought up frequently regarding international conflict. Is it a valid point to say that our country should become less involved in conflict in other parts of the world, or is it ultimately unavoidable? Is non-intervention a morally reasonable strategy, or should it be considered the duty of America to fight for its ideals?
Sources:
American Pageant textbook
http://www.ushistory.org/us/50a.asp
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/american-isolationism
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/leagcov.asp
Isolationism is unrealistic in the modern era, as is shown with the rejection of the Treaty of Versailles. The American rejection of the treaty led to the League being ineffective in preventing another global conflict from breaking out. WWII showed the world how an international organization was needed to enforce the peace, leading Roosevelt and other powers to create the United Nations.
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https://history.state.gov/milestones/1914-1920/league
Isolationaism is not a realistic goal for the world that we live in today and as it was in the 1900's. I say this because the worlds economy is based around trading with each other. However if we are talking about this in terms of military presence I think it would do America some good to step back from international affairs for a while and get our own country back on track.
ReplyDeleteAnother major factor that has increased the importance of America's role in global affairs is yellow journalism. Time and time again we have read about cases where the work of journalists that used sensationalism and exaggeration to convey a point eventually catalyzed the entrance of the United States into a major conflict. We saw it in World War I with the sinking of the Lusitania, and we also saw it in the Spanish-American War with the sinking of the USS Maine. Therefore, we can say that isolationism is unrealistic simply because American people have always itched to intervene in foreign relationships and defend themselves from foreign powers. In addition, we are at a point in time where the United States has already cemented its position as a major member of the international community.
ReplyDeleteLink: http://www.ushistory.org/us/37.asp
I agree that isolationism is not realistic, especially taking into account modern day international relations. It also does not make sense when taking into account the economical benefits of building strong relationships with foreign nations. Even today, we cannot imagine our country without its strongest trading partners like Canada, China, and Mexico because of the simple fact that so much of our economy depends on international exports and imports. In addition, we have some strong military allies and there is a relationship of mutual support for the other which ensures stability and peace.
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