Brinkley Ch 25 - The Global Crisis 1921-1941

The Rise of Isolationism

• During the early years of Roosevelt's administration, American isolationism became increasingly prevalent.

  • Disillusionment with internationalism increased, especially after failures in disarmament talks.

  • Isolationism was broadly supported across various sectors of American society.

Events Leading to Isolationism

• Withdrawal from Conferences

  • Mussolini withdrew from diplomatic talks.

  • Japan withdrew from the London Naval Conference, which aimed to limit naval armament.

• Reasons for Isolation

  • Americans preferred isolation over efforts to stabilize the world.

  • After World War I, many citizens grew skeptical about foreign intervention and treaties.

Japan's Expansion and Aggression

• Post World War I, Japan sought expansion and power.

  • Faced severe economic issues due to the Great Depression and American tariffs.

  • Militaristic leaders gained influence, advocating for a new Pacific Empire.

Japan's Actions in Asia

• In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria following the Mukden Incident, establishing control despite international protests.

• By 1937, Japan launched a broader war against China, beginning with the Marco Polo Bridge incident.

  • The Nanjing Massacre (1937) resulted in significant civilian casualties (estimates range from 80,000 to over 300,000).

American Response to Japanese Aggression

• Initial U.S. responses were ineffective; both the U.S. government and the League of Nations were ignored by Japan.

• Roosevelt attempted to spur action in disarmament talks but met with failure as negotiations stalled.

Neutrality Acts

• Congress passed several Neutrality Acts (1935-1937) to prevent American involvement in foreign conflicts:

  • 1935 Act: Mandatory arms embargo against both aggressors and victims in military conflicts.

  • 1936 Act: Extended previous provisions.

  • 1937 Act: Introduced the cash-and-carry policy.

Impact of the Neutrality Acts

• Aimed to prevent a repeat of World War I & protect American interests.

• Enhanced isolationism as public sentiment strongly against intervention was reflected by public opinion polls.

European Aggression and American Attitudes

• As Europe faced rising tensions from Mussolini and Nazi Germany, U.S. isolationists supported measures to avoid involvement.

• The failure of the Munich Conference in 1938 and subsequent actions by Hitler further exacerbated fears of war, leading to heightened isolationist sentiments in the U.S.

Roosevelt’s Approach

• Despite his desire for U.S. involvement, public opposition limited his ability to act decisively:

  • Failed treaty attempts, opposition from media, and public sentiment hindered his internationalism efforts.

• In 1939, Roosevelt’s calls for support for Britain faced significant isolationist backlash.

The Shift Toward Intervention

• Following WWII beginnings in Europe, there was a gradual shift in public opinion towards supporting the Allies.

• The dramatic events leading to Pearl Harbor represented culminative pressures on the U.S. to engage in global affairs.

• Pearl Harbor Attack (December 7, 1941) unified the American public and marked the end of isolationism, leading to a declaration of war against Japan.

Significant U.S. Legislative Responses

• Lend-Lease Act: Enabled arms loans to Allies, signifying a step away from neutrality.

• Public sentiment turned as citizens perceived growing threats from Axis powers, transitioning U.S. policy toward engagement.