Your Initial Discussion Thread Is Due On Day 3 Thursd 640553

Your Initial Discussion Thread Is Due On Day 3 Thursday And You Have

Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth of your responses. Reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for guidance on how your discussion will be evaluated.

Resources:

In your response, draw from at least two of the following documents and videos:

a. Hogan, H. (2003). World War II: The road to war.

b. Hogan, H. (2003). World War II: The world at war.

c. Lindbergh, C. (1941). Des Moines speech.

d. United States Congress. (1936). The Nye report.

e. Roosevelt, F. D. (1939). Address from the White House.

f. United States Congress. (1936). Neutrality act.

g. United States Congress. (1941). Lend-lease act.

Instructions:

After reviewing your instructor’s guidance and completing the weekly reading assignments, please post a substantive discussion response of at least 200 words that examines the evolution of American foreign policy in the 1930s:

- What arguments supported isolationism?

- How and why did America’s isolationist stance erode entering the 1940s?

- How did American foreign policy goals influence the approach to World War II?

Support your claims with examples from the required material and cite sources properly. You may include additional scholarly sources if desired. Respond to at least two classmates’ posts by Day 7 in at least 100 words, referencing materials not used in your initial post.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution of American foreign policy during the tumultuous decade of the 1930s was shaped by an initial commitment to isolationism, driven by war weariness and a desire to avoid another devastating conflict. This stance was primarily supported by arguments emphasizing constitutional principles, economic concerns, and public fatigue with participation in global conflicts. However, several factors contributed to the erosion of this stance as the decade progressed, leading the United States toward a more interventionist approach by the early 1940s. This paper explores the arguments for isolationism, the reasons for its decline, and how American foreign policy goals shifted in response to the emerging threat of global fascism and Nazi aggression.

Arguments in Favor of Isolationism

During the 1930s, the majority of Americans and policymakers favored maintaining neutrality in international conflicts, rooted in the disillusionment following World War I. The Neutrality Acts of 1936 and 1937 embodied this sentiment, prohibiting arms sales and loans to warring nations (United States Congress, 1936). Proponents argued that engagement in foreign wars would threaten American lives and economic stability, which had been severely impacted by the Great Depression. Additionally, leaders like Charles Lindbergh echoed the isolationist perspective, stressing the importance of avoiding further entanglements. These arguments were reinforced by the widespread belief that the United States could maintain peace through diplomatic neutrality and non-intervention, especially given the disillusionment with the aftermath of WWI and the lessons learned from that conflict (Lindbergh, 1941).

The Erosion of Isolationism and U.S. Entry into WWII

Despite these initial policies, the growing aggression of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan gradually eroded America’s isolationist stance. Key factors included the signing of the Lend-Lease Act in 1941, which allowed the U.S. to supply military aid to Allied powers, signaling a shift toward interventionism (United States Congress, 1941). Additionally, the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 definitively ended U.S. neutrality, compelling America to abandon its policy of non-involvement. The shift was motivated by strategic concerns, economic interests, and increasingly evident threats to American security and global stability. The collapse of the policy of appeasement exemplified this change, as the U.S. recognized that containment and active support for Allies were essential to safeguarding national interests (Roosevelt, 1939).

Foreign Policy Goals and the Approach to World War II

American foreign policy goals evolved from a focus on restricted involvement to active engagement aimed at defeating fascist totalitarianism. The Roosevelt administration prioritized ensuring global stability and securing democratic institutions, exemplified by initiatives like the Atlantic Charter and the Lend-Lease Act. These policies aimed to support Allied powers without directly engaging in combat until the attack on Pearl Harbor prompted a full-scale declaration of war. The shift reflected a strategic calculation: balancing the desire to prevent another catastrophic war with the necessity of countering aggressive Axis expansion to protect American security and economic interests. The fundamental goal became the defense of democracy and the preservation of American sovereignty amidst a rapidly changing global landscape (Roosevelt, 1939).

Conclusion

In sum, American foreign policy in the 1930s transitioned from a largely isolationist approach based on disillusionment and constitutional concerns to a more interventionist stance driven by mounting global threats. This evolution was influenced by the arms of economic and strategic necessity, culminating in the United States’ active participation in World War II. The decade represents a period of significant policy transformation, reflecting both the limitations of laissez-faire isolationism and the recognition of American interests in an increasingly hostile world.

References

• Hartt, R. L. (1921, Jan. 15). “The new Negro”: “When he’s hit, he hits back!” Independent.
• Lindbergh, C. (1941, Sept. 11). Des Moines speech. Retrieved from [link]
• Roosevelt, F. D. (1939, Sept. 3). Address of the President delivered by radio from the White House. Retrieved from [link]
• United States Congress. (1936, Feb. 24). The Nye report. Retrieved from [link]
• United States Congress. (1941). Lend-lease act. Retrieved from [link]
• United States Congress. (1936). Neutrality act. Retrieved from [link]
• Shafter, L. H. (1938). I’d rather not be on relief. Retrieved from [link]
• Hogan, H. (2003). World War II: The road to war. In R. Hawksworth (Executive producer), America in the 20th Century. Films for the Humanities & Sciences.
• Hogan, H. (2003). World War II: The world at war. In R. Hawksworth (Executive producer), America in the 20th Century. Films for the Humanities & Sciences.
• McDougald, E. J. (1925). The double task of Negro womanhood. In A. Locke (Ed.), The New Negro: An Interpretation.