The factors that led the United States to a disengaged foreign policy during the decades between World Wars I and II.
Analyze the factors that led the United States to a disengaged foreign policy during the decades between World Wars I and II. Although politically disengaged, describe the nature of our involvement in international affairs during this era. Assess Roosevelt's foreign policy leadership in the 1930s.
Sample Solution
The United States adopted a disengaged foreign policy during the period between World Wars I and II, a consequence of several key factors. Primarily, isolationism was deeply entrenched in popular culture and politics as the public sought to avoid involvement in international affairs after having experienced the traumatic costs associated with WWI. The Washington Naval Conference of 1922-1923 was emblematic of this approach, where U.S., British, Japanese, French and Italian delegates gathered to
discuss naval disarmament around the world; such meetings became commonplace in order to limit military buildup and reduce tensions overseas. Moreover, the passing of Neutrality Acts beginning in 1935 further reinforced abstinence from conflict by prohibiting arms sales to countries at war (with FDR's consent) as well as banning American citizens from traveling on vessels owned or operated by belligerent nations.
Despite being officially politically disengaged from global issues during this era, America did remain involved through various covert activities including economic policies aimed at influencing other nations’ domestic dilemmas as well as diplomatic negotiations that sought resolution for regional disputes across Europe (ex: supporting General Francisco Franco's forces against Republicans during Spanish Civil War). Economic aid programs were also established throughout Latin America under President Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbor Policy” which sought better relations between neighboring countries without directly interfering with their sovereignty or internal political regime changes. In contrast to previous US administrations who had actively attempted to impose ideas upon foreign powers either through force or moralistic principles—such an approach has since been referred to by scholars as “dollar diplomacy”—FDR instead favored indirect influence coupled with regional autonomy indicating a new era of noninterventionist attitudes amongst major superpowers globally.
Following Adolf Hitler’s rise in 1933 Germany along with his aggressive territorial expansion into Eastern Europe sparked concern among western leaders regarding potential threats posed by Nazi Germany towards peace internationally; however it wasn't until 1939 that FDR declared neutrality laws would no longer apply when two belligerents have unequal power or one nation is encroaching upon another thus allowing Britain/France access military supplies despite hostilities taking place within continental Europe alone—known today collectively known as Lend-Lease program that eventually supported over $50 billion worth of materials throughout WWII (including USSR). This shift indicated a subtle change away from total detachment towards greater engagement based on unilateral self-preservation interests which ultimately laid foundations for future Cold War alliances later on down road post 1945 timeframe once Axis Powers had been defeated following WWII's conclusion 1945–1947 respectively .
In summary Roosevelt demonstrated strong foreign policy leadership during 1930s due largely his ability balance both short term goals securing safety abroad while recognizing need develop long lasting relationships strategically beneficial all parties involved rather than engaging purely selfish means akin Dollar Diplomacy practiced earlier administrations before him e g Theodore Roosevelt 1898–1901 William Howard Taft 1909–13 Woodrow Wilson 1913–21 etc Through combination wise decision making tougher stance vs aggressors when deemed necessary negotiating mutually beneficial agreements allies FDR successfully managed not only maintain peace but allowed US reap numerous benefits aftermath most devastating wars human history while paving way Cold War come