7.11 APUSH

Introduction to American Foreign Policy Between the World Wars

  • Overview of the study topic for Unit 7 of AP U.S. History.

  • Learning Objective: Explain the similarities and differences in attitudes about the nation’s proper role in the world.

Post-World War I: Isolationism in American Foreign Policy

  • After World War I, American foreign policy shifted towards isolationism.

    • Definition of Isolationism: A national policy of withdrawing from international affairs and conflicts, emphasizing self-sufficiency and a focus on domestic matters.

    • Public Sentiment: Americans grew tired of European entanglements stemming from the Great War, leading to a desire for a period of introspection and reflection (referred to humorously as needing "me time").

Evidence of Isolationist Sentiment

  • The election of Warren G. Harding in 1920 showcased the isolationist mindset.

    • Campaign Promise: Harding's promise of a "return to normalcy" emphasized healing and restoration over international involvement.

    • Key Quote: "America's present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration; …not submergence in internationality, but sustainment in triumphant nationality."

Isolationist Policies

Economic Isolationism: Tariff Increases

  • Protective Tariffs: Taxes on imported goods aimed at protecting domestic industries:

    • Fordney-McCumber Act (1922): Dramatically raised tariffs on imports.

    • Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930): Further increased tariffs, exacerbating international trade tensions.

    • Economic Impact: Protective tariffs made foreign goods more expensive, encouraging consumers to purchase domestically produced goods, while simultaneously decreasing overall international trade.

Diplomatic Isolationism: Treaties and Agreements

  • Kellogg-Briand Pact: An international agreement that attempted to make war illegal among nations:

    • Signed by 63 nations, including the United States, the pact aimed to renounce war in principle.

    • Limitations: Lacked enforcement mechanisms, as it was negotiated outside the League of Nations, rendering it largely ineffective.

Erosion of Isolationism in the 1930s

The Rise of Totalitarian Regimes

  • By the 1930s, international concerns began to mount due to the rise of fascist and totalitarian governments in Europe.

    • **Key Figures and Events:

    • Benito Mussolini in Italy (Fascist party rise).

    • Adolf Hitler in Germany (Nazi Party takeover).

    • Militaristic expansion by Japan.

  • Key aggressive actions observed:

    • 1931: Japan's invasion of Manchuria.

    • 1936: Germany’s occupation of the Rhineland.

    • 1937: German occupation of Austria.

    • 1938: Czechoslovakia occupation.

    • 1936: Italy's takeover of Ethiopia.

Neutrality vs. Interventionism

  • Many Americans remained isolationist despite witnessing these troubling international developments.

  • Isolationist Arguments:

    • Historical reference to the loss of over 100,000 American lives in World War I, questioning the effectiveness of involvement for achieving the goal of global democracy.

    • The Senate's Nye Committee revealed that American corporations profited massively from World War I, suggesting a profit-driven motive for entering the war.

  • Interventionist Counterarguments: - The historical precedent of isolationism traced back to George Washington’s presidency, with the Atlantic Ocean viewed as a protective barrier.

    • Argument that advancements in military technology (submarines and airplanes) made such isolation untenable, as European conflicts could reach American shores rapidly.

    • Fear that a defeated Britain would accelerate aggression from Hitler and other totalitarian regimes towards the U.S.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Intervening Isolationist

  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt's perspective encapsulated a blend of sympathy for the Allies while adhering to isolationist public sentiment:

    • Labelled an "intervening isolationist," Roosevelt sought to aid England while maintaining a facade of neutrality.

    • Launched various programs to support the Allies without direct military involvement:

    • Cash and Carry Program: Allowed belligerents to purchase arms from the U.S. if they paid cash and used their own ships for transport. Beneficial largely to Britain due to their naval control.

    • Destroyers for Bases (1940): In exchange for land rights on British possessions, the U.S. provided destroyers to Britain, signaling tacit support.

    • Lend-Lease Act (1941): Enabled Britain to obtain arms from the U.S. on credit, reinforcing U.S. support for the Allies.

Entry into World War II

  • Isolationism came to an abrupt end following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941:

    • Japanese aircraft struck the naval base in Hawaii, resulting in over 2400 American deaths.

    • Following the attack, President Roosevelt addressed Congress to request a declaration of war against Japan.

    • In response, Hitler declared war on the U.S., officially drawing America into World War II.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded with a reinforcement of America’s journey from isolationism to involvement in World War II, illustrating the key events, policies, and shifts in public and political attitudes toward foreign affairs.