America and the World
As dictators started rising in Europe and militarism slowly restarted, Americans realized their effort to maintain peace during World War One had been useless. This new realization led America into an isolationist position, reinforced with new laws passed in the mid-1930s.
The recent return of militarism in Europe triggered a social and political movement within the United States that caused a demand for isolationism.
Post World War 1 Europe was in terrible shape. Owing hundreds of millions internationally and in ruins, average people struggled to get by on a daily basis. This caused major international tension within Europe. The countries that had suffered the most during the war started to blame others for their own misfortune. One thing led to another and eventually fascist leaders rose to power recommencing militarism. These new developments made many Americans regret going to war in Europe during World War 1. This caused law makers in D.C. to pass measures helping the United States return to isolationism.
America being a leading power in the world, had great economic influence in countries around Europe. During the 1930s when the great depression hit, America’s economy crashed. The economy worldwide and in Europe was quite mediocre because of this, affecting many who were just starting to recover from World War 1.
During the 1930s militarism and a rise of dictators in Europe led to new public opinion in the United States. A new isolationist movement started in the U.S. that wanted no implications in any future wars in Europe. This led to new laws surrounding the issue being passed to promote isolationism.
As Americans around the country witnessed tension building up once again in Europe, they started to question the U.S.'s foreign policy. In the midst of a great depression and with many poor, another World War would be devastating for all. This led people to demand isolationism, to protect the country from war.
|
The United States' history influenced its people's and government's opinion regarding international issues during the 1930s.
Whether it be the U.S.'s emerging as a world power or the roaring twenties, foreign policy has always been a subject of controversy in the United States. Understanding the foreign policy of the 1930s hence requires overall knowledge of the past movements and events that shaped the country and its people.
U.S. as a World Power
When the U.S. became a world power in the early 20th century its international position and foreign policy started to matter on a global scale. This newly acquired importance among European nations made many doubt what the country's policy should be. This led to an overall realization that it would be best to pursue the same course of action as used in the past and stay in an isolated position.
World War One
World War 1 was a major involvement for the United States internationally. It was the first time the nation had gone to war in Europe. It significantly tested and proved the U.S. economy as the country wasn't ready for a war. The conflict also led afterwards to a new international position slowly returning to disarmament and isolationism. Without World War one it is possible the U.S. would never have left isolationism.
The Progressive Era
The progressive era in the United States was an interesting time in history as it was a massive step in sociopolitical movements such as the right for women to vote or african Americans to work in factories or even immigration and emigration. These changes creates somewhat of a controversy with traditionals believing change was bad for the country and revolutionaries believe quite the opposite.
The Roaring Twenties
The roaring twenties as they are called, represent a period in U.S. history when economic development and sociopolitical reforms took place. It was caused mainly by world war one which had setup a strong economy for the country. The twenties in the U.S. made people realize war was bad for the country and its people fighting. This time helped the U.S. shift into an isolationist position and promote peace world wide.
The Great Depression
The great depression that hit in 1929 was the worst economic crisis in United States history. Unemployment in some places reaching up to 50% and some cities abandoning the U.S. Dollar as a currency all made it horrible. However the great depression also permitted peace and isolationism for the United States. With no money for war and an unstable government it was ironically only WW2's demand for weaponry that brought the U.S. out of the depression.
Significance
America's role in the world has never been more important and influential. For instance its foreign policy drastically affects global geopolitics wether it be sanctions placed on Iran or financial aid sent to Israel. This international leverage has the power to destroy countries or rebuild them, because of this it must be used responsibly and with great expectancy for consequences. To do so the history that shaped America must always be studied and learned from to prevent the repeat of dyer mistakes and explore the possibilities for success like we have in the past.