Quarantine Speech

Definition

The Quarantine Speech was delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on October 5, 1937, in Chicago, advocating for a collective international response to aggression by totalitarian nations. In this speech, Roosevelt suggested that the U.S. should work with other nations to 'quarantine' aggressor states to prevent the spread of their influence and ideas, reflecting his growing concern over global tensions leading up to World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Roosevelt's Quarantine Speech was one of the first instances where he publicly criticized fascism and militarism abroad.
2. The speech received mixed reactions, with some supporting Roosevelt's call for intervention while others feared it would drag the U.S. into foreign conflicts.
3. Although the Quarantine Speech did not lead to immediate policy changes, it signaled a shift in public sentiment towards a more interventionist approach as global tensions escalated.
4. This speech laid the groundwork for future policies aimed at supporting allies and opposing aggressor nations before formally entering World War II.
5. The term 'quarantine' in the speech metaphorically suggested isolating aggressors similar to how one would contain an infectious disease, emphasizing the need for collective action.

Review Questions

• How did Roosevelt's Quarantine Speech reflect the shifting attitudes towards international conflict in the United States?
  • The Quarantine Speech marked a significant shift from the prevalent isolationist attitudes in the U.S. during the 1930s. By advocating for a collective response to aggression, Roosevelt acknowledged that global tensions could no longer be ignored. This change indicated an increasing awareness among Americans about the dangers posed by totalitarian regimes and set the stage for a more active U.S. role in global affairs leading up to World War II.
• Discuss how the Quarantine Speech foreshadowed later U.S. foreign policy decisions as tensions escalated in Europe.
  • The Quarantine Speech foreshadowed the Lend-Lease Act and other measures that marked a decisive move away from isolationism. By emphasizing the need to contain aggressive states, Roosevelt laid the groundwork for policies that would eventually involve direct support for allies against totalitarian powers. This shift became crucial as World War II approached, signaling that America was prepared to play a larger role in global security.
• Evaluate the impact of the Quarantine Speech on public opinion regarding U.S. involvement in World War II.
  • The Quarantine Speech had a notable impact on public opinion by initiating a dialogue about interventionist policies at a time when many Americans favored isolationism. While it faced opposition from isolationists who feared entanglement in European conflicts, it also resonated with those who recognized the threat posed by aggressive nations. Over time, as events unfolded in Europe and Asia, public sentiment gradually shifted towards supporting increased involvement, ultimately culminating in full engagement in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Related terms

Isolationism: A foreign policy stance where a country seeks to avoid involvement in international conflicts and alliances, prevalent in the U.S. during the interwar period.

Lend-Lease Act:

A policy enacted in March 1941 that allowed the U.S. to supply allied nations with military aid and supplies, marking a shift away from isolationism.

Totalitarianism: A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life, exemplified by regimes such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.