Writing Assignment Test Instructions 1-2 Read Chapter 1

Writing Assignment Test Instructions1 Read Chapter 1 2 Americas

Read Chapters 1 and 2: America’s Tradition in Foreign Policy and America’s Global Involvement and the Emergence of the Cold War. After reading, complete the corresponding essay assignments.

Test Questions:

  1. Discuss the factors at the root of American foreign policy of isolationism prior to World War II.
  2. How did the doctrines of George Washington and James Monroe contribute to America's worldview and isolationist foreign policy?
  3. What is the significance of the National Origins Act of 1924, and what is its relevance in the context of the border wall building project under the Donald Trump Administration?
  4. Discuss the “Monroe Doctrine” and how it was used to prevent foreign intervention while justifying U.S. intervention in the Western Hemisphere.

Paper For Above instruction

The early decades of American history were heavily influenced by a foreign policy centered on isolationism, rooted in a desire to avoid entanglement in European conflicts and a focus on continental growth and consolidation. These policies were shaped by the philosophical and practical doctrines articulated by influential founding leaders such as George Washington and James Monroe, who sought to establish a sphere of influence that prioritized sovereignty and non-intervention.

George Washington’s Farewell Address in 1796 is often regarded as a foundational document emphasizing the avoidance of permanent alliances and entanglements with foreign powers. Washington warned against the formation of political alliances that could drag the young nation into unnecessary wars, stressing the importance of neutrality and independent decision-making (McDonald, 2012). This approach aimed to safeguard the fledgling democracy from foreign conflicts that could jeopardize its stability and development, aligning with a broader American inclination toward isolationism during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Similarly, James Monroe’s policies, encapsulated in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, reinforced the national interest of safeguarding the Western Hemisphere from European interference. Monroe asserted that any attempts by European nations to colonize or interfere in the Americas would be viewed as acts of aggression against the United States, thereby establishing a policy of hemispheric assertion and non-intervention (Foner, 2014). The Doctrine effectively justified U.S. intervention within the hemisphere to protect regional sovereignty while simultaneously discouraging European influence, reflecting a blend of defensive posture and assertive nationalism.

The National Origins Act of 1924 further exemplifies America's restrictive immigration stance, rooted in nativist sentiments and a desire to preserve the racial and cultural composition of the nation. By limiting immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe and completely excluding Asian immigrants, the Act sought to reinforce Anglo-American dominance and racial homogeneity (Norris, 2015). In the context of contemporary debates about border security, particularly under the Trump administration’s efforts to build a border wall, the Act’s emphasis on restricting entry underscores persistent themes of national security and cultural protectionism, although under markedly different circumstances and policies.

Collectively, these early policies reflect a cautious yet assertive approach to safeguarding American interests: maintaining sovereignty, preventing foreign entanglements, and controlling immigration to preserve national identity. While these strategies served to shield the United States from some external conflicts, they also limited its global involvement until the geopolitical realities of World War II and subsequent Cold War dynamics necessitated a shift toward greater international engagement.

References

  • Foner, E. (2014). The Origins of the Monroe Doctrine. Columbia University Press.
  • McDonald, S. (2012). Alexander Hamilton and American foreign policy. Princeton University Press.
  • Norris, P. (2015). Migration and Immigration Policy in the United States. Routledge.

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