Notes on U.S. Foreign Policy and Global Conflicts

  • Regional Conflicts in the 20th Century

    • Examples:
    • North Korea and South Korea
    • Vietnam War
    • Contra War in Nicaragua
    • Conflicts in Afghanistan (late 1900s)
    • Characterization of conflicts as proxy wars.

  • U.S. Foreign Policy Shift

    • Transition from isolationism to interventionism.
    • Key concepts:
    • Isolationism: Policy of avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts.
    • Interventionism: Policy of being active and involved in foreign conflicts.

  • World War I:

    • Initial involvement delayed until 1917 despite existing alliances due to:
    • German submarine warfare on civilian ships, impacting American lives.
      • Notable incident: sinking of the Lusitania, which had American citizens aboard.
    • The Zimmerman Telegram: Germany’s attempt to ally with Mexico against the U.S.
    • Resulted from provocation by Germany, leading to U.S. entry in the war.

  • Interwar Period & League of Nations:

    • League of Nations established post-World War I to ensure peace.
    • U.S. does not join due to persistent isolationist sentiment.

  • Growing Threats:

    • Concerns rise over fascism (in Italy and Germany) and communism elsewhere.
    • Ideological shift towards protecting democracy globally.

  • Invasion of Poland (1939):

    • Aggressive military buildup by Germany after restrictions from World War I.
    • Hitler ignores the League of Nations, which fails to stop military actions.
    • Escalation of tensions leads to considerations of U.S. involvement to combat fascism and protect democracy.

  • Understanding Fascism vs. Communism:

    • Fascism:
    • Definition: Controlled by a totalitarian government promoting extreme nationalism.
    • Leader-centric, often involves persecution of other races/nations.
    • Communism:
    • Definition: Aimed at eliminating class distinctions but often results in a totalitarian government structure.
    • Less emphasis on nationalism compared to fascism.
    • Both ideologies oppose capitalism and democracy.

  • U.S. Foreign Policy Evolution:

    • Shift towards interventionist policies begins with support to allies (e.g., military and financial aid to Great Britain).
    • Full military engagement follows the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking the U.S. entry into World War II.

  • Key Takeaway:

    • The U.S. transitions from isolationism to interventionism primarily in response to the rise of threats against democracy, particularly fascism, leading up to and during World War II.