Isolationism refers to the decision by the United States on not getting involved with European wars and alliances, particularly in the 20th Century.  The move was to prevent the U.S from having to choose sides especially at a time it was focused on developing good trade relationships with the European countries.

Reasons behind American Isolationism

The move for Isolationism was initiated by a diverse group of people, among them conservatives, progressives, peace activists and business owners. The US public made the government reluctant to join alliances with European countries owing to pressure from isolationist Americans, who felt that the U.S had many local problems it needed to deal with such as unemployment, at the expense of playing the interfering in international matters.

Besides, the effects of WWI   contributed to the popularity of the isolationist view. For instance, America was an Ally to the British, and it provided it with soldiers and ammunition.  However, this did not prevent the death of 17 million people and an additional injured 200 million. Among those who lost their lives were many young American soldiers who left behind young widows and children. The isolationists were of the view that no more young American soldiers would die to solve European problems.

The great depression in the 1930s was also a contributing factor to America’s isolationist policy. The American citizens wanted the government to focus more on coming up with job opportunities and ensure that no American family slept hungry during that period instead of worrying about the rise of militaristic dictatorship governments in Europe and Asia.

Consequences of American Isolationism during World War II

The U.S wanted to be neutral during the Second World War, although it offered limited aid to its Allies who did not have any actual intervention in the war. At the start of WWII, the U.S was still not pledging support for any European nation. As it turned out, American Isolationism paved the way for Germany to have success in its war against the United Kingdom. Also, the neutrality was beneficial for Japan as it was beginning to gain control over other East Asian countries.  The events raised concerns that the success of Germany and Italy in Europe would make the two countries the new western superpowers, thus raising questions on the future and place of the U.S to incase the new order materialized.  The policy made the U.S realize that it would become a garrison state if it did not join the Brits and defeat the Germans.

Nonetheless, the U.S did not engage in the war until the surprise Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese troops and the Declaration of war by Italy and Germany four days later. The events inclined the United States to enter into battle with its allies to defeat the Axis powers. The US was also under threat from the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin, and the fear of being attacked made the country abandon isolationism. Nonetheless, President Franklin Roosevelt in collaboration with other leaders convinced the American population to support the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 during the war.

Conclusion

Isolationism was to help the U.S focus on its local issues and ensure economic growth. However, the country was forced to join WWII to secure its place as a world superpower following threats from the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy. The war came to an end, and the U.S played an essential role in the development of world peace. Although there were talks of the U.S returning to its isolationist policies, the practice became obsolete till date.

 
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