USA Isolationism Essay Example for Free

USA Isolationism EssayFocus areas* What form did Isolationism take?* Why did successive presidents chance they had to follow this policy?* Why did the Isolationism era end?* Was the US truly Isolationist during this period?1. THE base FOR SUPPORT IN AMERICA FOR ISOLATIONISM* Dislike of entanglementFor over 140 years there were no US forces in Europe, and firearmy American wanted to return to this independence from the Western Hemisphere. There was a sense that they needed to escape the corrupted Old World. Many also felt that involvement in WW1 had been a mistake they had been tricked into making by bankers and arms manufacturers. * Sense of self-sufficiencyMany Americans were unaware of the interlinking nature of the American economy and how it relied on the rest of the world. They were happy in the idea that America could add for America and not need to rely on anyone else.* Domestic priori pullsSuccessive Presidents had to follow public judgment and put their emphasis o n home affairs. For example, Roosevelt stressed this nationalistic approach during the depression and in hindsight this is perceivable intervention in trouble might have hindered the New Deal2. THE LIMITS OF ISOLATIONSIM* Economic and cultural influences altogether around the world American influence was being felt in fashions customs. The rest of the world saw US movies, drove Ford cars and drank Coca-Cola. Economically, the USA helped bring stability to countries through investment* Independent internationalityIn reality America was not truly isolationist. They did have contacts and dealings with Europe, Asia S.America, although they make no commitments in the international arena or accepted any limitations on their freedom of action. It was involved in a wide spectrum of affairs e.g. economic expansion, German reparations, naval land disarmaments and international efforts to promote peace. Herbert Hoover was the man who oversaw this policy. He saw that it was vital for Ame rica to have a world fit to trade with.3. THE lend oneself OF ISOLATIONISM IN EUROPE AND LATION AMERICA* Economic assistance to EuropeThe USA loaned money ($110 million) to Germany so they could pay their reparations, which were in turn given back to the Americans by GB and France as payments for war debts. German reparations were also reorganised in 1924 1929 by Charles Dawes and Owen Young. It was seen as being in the interests of America to rebuild Europes economies as they consumed over 60% of Americas exports* International peace agreementsThe Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) was the brainchild of the US Sec of State and the cut Foreign Minister. This was beneficial to the USA, as only war could remove Americas economic dominance in the world.* total Neighbour policyThis relates to Americas policy in Latin America. It was first coined by FDR, but the policy was brisk in the 1920s. In this area the USA was far from isolationist, intervening or having its forces in many countries (eg Haiti). These were the actions of a country that thought they knew what was best for its neighbour. One example of this is its support for right-wing regimes (Nicaragua, Cuba, Dominican republic) to keep discover any left-wing influence in latin America, which might endanger their economic interests there.4. FDR AND ISOLATIONISM 1933-38* Little result to external aggressionFDR was restricted in the 1930s to talking about ways in which the US could influence others to keep peace. In the end his peace plans, such as that offered in Jan 1938, were not thought through. FDR offered gestures and a posture of helplessness as the world drifted to war.* Tide of opinion in the 1930sthroughout the 1930s the mood of the country was still isolationist. FDR could not go against the displaceiments of the public, nor could he go against the Isolationists in Congress, who he needed to pass his New Deal legislation.* Neutrality legislationPassed between 1935 1937, these were designed to preve nt a repeat of the events of 1917 it said that the USA should not trade with any belligerents in times of war, nor should they provide loans. These tie FDRs hands and encouraged the aggressors.5. THE END OF ISOLATIONISM* Preparation for warThe ground work was already being make before drop cloth Harbour for the US to enter the war on the side of the Allies. Co-operation with GB drawn-out in 1941 with Anglo-American naval planning the US navy occupied Greenland to build naval bases the US marines were sent to Iceland to prevent a possible German invasion US merchant ships were armed before Pearl Harbour in response to German hero sandwich attacks US helped GB navy to pinpoint U-boat positions the US possibly provoked the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbour.* Action rather than words to tax return Japanese and German aggressionAmerican destroyers were swapped for leases of GB bases in the Western Hemisphere (Sept, 1940) and a order of payment bill was agreed in the same month. In M arch 1941 the Lend Lease agreement was made this in realty was a declaration of economic warfare against the axis powers.* Continued salutary resistivity to American intervention in the Second World WarAfter 1939, FDR was trying to educate the American public of the threat to US security if the Axis powers won, but isolationist feeling was still strong in July 1939. As well as the rejection of a proposed revision o the Neutrality laws, during most of 1940 1941, 80% of Americans opposed a declaration of war against the Axis powers, but did favour aid to victims of axis aggression.