(ZINN READING) Chapter 13: America’s Isolationism in the Interwar Years Flashcards
(25 cards)
What was the primary reason for America’s isolationist sentiment after World War I?
The war resulted in over 100,000 American deaths, leading to a strong desire to avoid future conflicts
What was the main principle of U.S. isolationism in the 1920s and 1930s?
Avoiding military alliances and political entanglements while promoting peace and economic stability
What economic plan did the U.S. use to stabilize postwar Europe?
The Dawes Plan (1924), which provided loans to Germany so Britain and France could repay their war debts
Why did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to economic instability in Germany?
It imposed heavy reparations on Germany, leading to economic collapse
What was the purpose of the Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928)?
It was an international treaty that aimed to outlaw war as a means of resolving disputes
What did the Stimson Doctrine (1932) declare?
It stated that the U.S. would not recognize territorial changes made by force
Why was the Stimson Doctrine ineffective in stopping aggression?
It did not include any military action, allowing Japan’s invasions to continue unchecked
What foreign policy approach did Franklin D. Roosevelt announce in 1933?
The Good Neighbor Policy, which ended U.S. military interference in Latin America
What was the goal of the Good Neighbor Policy?
To improve diplomatic relations and prevent the spread of totalitarian ideologies.
Which Latin American countries saw U.S. troop withdrawals under the Good Neighbor Policy?
Haiti and Nicaragua
What were the Neutrality Acts, and when were they passed?
A series of laws between 1935 and 1939 that aimed to prevent the U.S. from being drawn into foreign wars
How did the Neutrality Acts limit U.S. involvement in global conflicts?
They banned arms sales, loans, and travel to warring nations
Why did many Americans believe U.S. involvement in World War I was a mistake?
They thought it was driven by bankers and arms manufacturers seeking profit
How did public opinion impact Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ability to prepare for war?
Strong isolationist sentiment and congressional opposition constrained his policies.
Despite isolationist policies, how did Roosevelt shift U.S. strategy in the late 1930s?
He began preparing for potential war, increasing defense spending and aid to allies
What was the main contradiction in U.S. isolationism during this period?
While avoiding military alliances, the U.S. remained deeply involved in global financial affairs
What was the international reaction to the Kellogg-Briand Pact?
Over 60 nations signed it, reflecting optimism about preventing future wars
How did isolationist policies affect U.S. responses to global conflicts
hey limited direct intervention, allowing aggressive nations like Japan and Germany to expand unchecked
Why did some policymakers believe economic stability was key to peace?
hey hoped financial aid and trade would prevent nations from resorting to war
What role did the Great Depression play in reinforcing isolationist sentiment?
Economic hardship made Americans reluctant to focus on foreign affairs
How did Latin America respond to the Good Neighbor Policy?
Many welcomed it, seeing it as a shift away from U.S. imperialism
What lesson did isolationism ultimately teach U.S. leaders?
Avoiding global conflicts entirely was unrealistic, leading to policy shifts as World War II approached
