Chapter 17.1

Isolationism in the 1920s

• General theme of American foreign policy.

• Public desire to move past the trauma of war.

Foreign Policy Tasks

• Maintain World Peace:

  • Aim to prevent loss of life.

• Stabilize Economy:

  • Avoid harming livelihoods.

Washington Naval Conference

• Response to naval arms race among countries.

• Outcome:

  • Agreement to limit battleship construction and cap naval tonnage.

• Flaws:

  • Did not limit cruisers, destroyers, or submarines.

  • No restrictions on land forces.

Kellogg-Briand Pact

• Signatories agreed to resolve disputes peacefully instead of through war.

• Ineffectiveness:

  • Lacked enforcement mechanisms.