Isolationism History in the United States
Isolationism In the Early United States
Introduction to Isolationism History
In its early days, the United States adopted an isolationist policy for a variety of reasons. The fledgling nation wanted to develop without becoming entangled in the conflicts that had overtaken Europe and without being influenced by European values. Early leaders feared that too much involvement in the affairs of other nations would endanger the values of freedom and equality that had fueled the founding of America. The United States wanted to serve as a model for other countries and recognized that it must first perfect its own development.
Isolationism held more practical benefits for the young nation. The American continent was a large, undeveloped, landmass that required the country’s undivided attention before it could become involved in political affairs abroad. The Europeans, and especially the British, dominated world affairs. The United States could not hope to have an immediate impact in the international arena. A policy of isolationism also proved advantageous for the United States because the country risked domination by Europe if it tried to become prematurely involved in international affairs.
Early leaders of the United States endorsed commercial treaties and expansion of trade with other nations, but discouraged political or military alliances. President George Washington delivered such a message in his Farewell Address of 1796, just before leaving office. Washington called upon the United States to foster good relations with all nations and encouraged the country to develop economic ties abroad. But he warned against becoming involved in the affairs of Europe. In his 1801 inaugural address, President Thomas Jefferson repeated Washington’s warning, encouraging friendly relations with all nations but “entangling alliances with none.” In 1823 President James Monroe also reiterated Washington’s directive in a message sent to Congress. The message, which became known as the Monroe Doctrine, called on the United States to stay out of European affairs and also warned the Europeans not to meddle in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. Monroe said any such action would impinge upon the “rights and interests” of the United States.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Isolationism History in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
Guide to Isolationism History
Isolationism U.S. Policy Prior to World War II
Introduction to Isolationism History
Throughout much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the United States followed a course of political isolationism, even as it extended its commercial relationships worldwide. This political isolationism did not apply to the country’s domestic efforts to expand its territory on its own continent. Such efforts were associated with Manifest Destiny, the belief that U.S. expansion was not only inevitable but also a divine right. For example, in 1803 the United States bought a vast region of territory in North America from France in a deal known as the Louisiana Purchase. During the 1800s the United States also purchased Alaska from Russia, and Texas and other territories from Mexico.
Throughout the 19th century, however, the United States resisted entering into foreign conflicts. Protecting domestic interests alone was not a good enough reason to become involved. Some higher moral principle had to be at stake. For example, the United States fought the War of 1812 against Britain in Canada and at home to stop the British from blockading international waters. In 1898 the United States fought the Spanish-American War to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule. The United States did not enter World War I (1914-1918) until Germany violated international law in 1917 by resuming its campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare.
After World War I, the United States reverted back to isolationism. As a result, the United States did not join the League of Nations when it was founded in 1920 or during the 26 years of its existence.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Isolationism History in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
Guide to Isolationism History
Isolationism The Effect of World War II
Introduction to Isolationism History
The United States stayed out of World War II until December 7, 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, a major American naval base in Hawaii. The attack killed about 3,000 people.
The experience of World War II (1939-1945) changed American attitudes toward isolationism. The United States recognized that to be safe it needed allies. As a result, the country’s postwar policy was based on international cooperation and collective security. The United States was one of four countries to draft the charter for the United Nations (UN) and one of the UN’s founding members. The push by the Soviet Union to increase its sphere of influence changed U.S. foreign policy even further. United States policymakers tried to curtail Soviet expansion and the influence of communism by giving economic and military aid to other countries. The United States also formed formal military alliances, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Isolationism History in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia