FDR, Foreign Affairs, & the U.S. in WWII

U.S. Diplomacy in the 1920s-1930s

  • Modified isolationism: The U.S. avoided deep involvement in European politics while still engaging diplomatically.
  • Mediator role, no League of Nations membership, involved in humanitarian efforts.
  • Aimed to prevent arms races and participated in peace-keeping initiatives.
  • FDR's "Good Neighbor Policy": Reduced military presence in Latin America for better relations.

Economic Conditions and International Relations

  • U.S. loans to Europe contributed to the Great Depression, leading to resentment.
  • Late 1920s-30s: Nationalism rises, economies in turmoil due to Treaty of Versailles.
  • New democratic governments struggle, giving rise to totalitarian regimes.

Political Changes in Key Countries

  • Soviet Union: Transition from monarchy to democracy to communism under Stalin (1922); focuses on industrialization and military expansion.
  • Italy: Shift from monarchy to fascism under Mussolini, emphasizing nationalism and military growth.
  • Germany: Moves from monarchy to a fascist state under Hitler, focusing on militarization and territorial expansion.
  • Japan: Militaristic regime with expansionist ambitions, aggressive actions against China.

U.S. Foreign Policy and Neutrality

  • FDR balanced isolationism with a desire to support Allies as tensions rose.
  • Neutrality Acts (1935-1937) sought to avoid entanglements in international conflicts.
  • Cash-and-carry policy enabled some trade while keeping military out of conflicts.

The Road to WWII

  • Aggression by Axis powers: Hitler's military incursions (Rhineland, Austria, Czechoslovakia) go unchallenged.
  • Appeasement leads to further expansion; Poland becomes targeted next.
  • Pearl Harbor (12/7/41) catalyzes U.S. entry into WWII, following a series of aggressions from Japan.

Wartime Production and Policy Shifts

  • WWII revitalizes U.S. economy and industry; massive mobilization and military draft initiated.
  • FDR adopts aggressive foreign policies post-election of 1940, extending aid to Allies (lend-lease).
  • Calls for war production; government controls prices and wages to manage inflation.

Conclusion: Post-War Treaties and Consequences

  • Yalta and Potsdam Conferences address post-war Europe and conflict resolution.
  • Atomic bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki prompt Japan's surrender and shape global politics.