US interwar foreign policy

Definition

US interwar foreign policy refers to the diplomatic strategies and actions taken by the United States during the period between World War I and World War II, roughly from 1919 to 1939. This era was marked by a complex interplay of isolationism, economic interests, and emerging global responsibilities, influencing the nation's approach to international relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. After World War I, the US initially embraced isolationism, rejecting membership in the League of Nations and focusing on domestic recovery and economic prosperity.
2. The US interwar foreign policy was characterized by a mix of disarmament efforts, such as naval treaties aimed at reducing military buildups, while still engaging in international trade.
3. During the Great Depression, American foreign policy shifted towards prioritizing economic relationships, leading to initiatives like the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934.
4. The rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, particularly Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, posed challenges to US foreign policy as debates over intervention versus isolation intensified.
5. By the late 1930s, the US began to shift away from strict isolationism with policies like Lend-Lease that provided support to Allied nations as tensions escalated towards World War II.

Review Questions

• How did isolationism shape US interwar foreign policy and what were its main implications for international relations during this period?
  • Isolationism significantly influenced US interwar foreign policy as it led to a reluctance to engage in European conflicts or join international organizations like the League of Nations. This approach prioritized domestic issues over foreign commitments and resulted in limited involvement in European affairs. However, this isolationist stance also created an environment where aggressive regimes could expand unchecked, ultimately setting the stage for increased tensions leading up to World War II.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treaties aimed at disarmament during the interwar years and their impact on US relations with other nations.
  • Disarmament treaties, such as the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and subsequent agreements, sought to limit naval armaments and reduce tensions among major powers. While these treaties were intended to foster cooperation and prevent future conflicts, their effectiveness was limited as they did not include key players like the Soviet Union and later failed to curb the militarization seen in countries like Japan and Germany. Consequently, these agreements ultimately highlighted the difficulties in achieving lasting peace during an era marked by growing aggression.
• Analyze how economic factors influenced US interwar foreign policy decisions, particularly during the Great Depression.
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in shaping US interwar foreign policy, especially as the nation grappled with the effects of the Great Depression. With domestic recovery as a priority, the US adopted policies that encouraged international trade, exemplified by the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934. This shift towards economic diplomacy was an attempt to foster goodwill and stability abroad while simultaneously seeking markets for American goods. However, as global instability increased with rising authoritarian regimes, economic interests often conflicted with isolationist sentiments, complicating the US's position on international engagement.

Related terms

Isolationism:

A foreign policy approach that emphasizes avoiding entanglement in international alliances and conflicts, prioritizing domestic affairs over foreign engagements.

Kellogg-Briand Pact:

An international agreement signed in 1928 that aimed to outlaw war as a means of resolving disputes, reflecting the idealistic aspirations of many nations during the interwar period.

Good Neighbor Policy:

A diplomatic strategy initiated in the 1930s that sought to improve relations with Latin American countries by promoting mutual respect and non-intervention.