Towards the end of the 19th century and 1920, the United States of America continued its firm policies of not meddling in other people’s business. European countries were more conflict-prone to America, and their disputes could draw the United States into another war that merely had little American interest. Hence during the 1920s U.S, foreign guidelines were based on isolation policies. For example, the United States refused to join the League of Nations even though it was the first nation to propose an international collaboration. In this paper am going to clearly explain why the United States continued with its long-standing policy of not meddling with external affairs and the application of isolation policy.
During the presidential era of George Washington, the United States required a policy of neutrality together with isolation concerning other nations’ internal affairs. Political leaders argued that with the omission of humanitarian emergencies, self-defense and free trade, the U.S would have an advantage and avoid permanent alliances that will make them deflect their attention from internal matters (Maddox 2018). At the same time, they do not serve the better of American interest. Therefore even when World War 1 broke, the United Stated strongly maintained a position of neutrality. Then, President Woodrow Wilson urged the country to stay united and avoid being ideologically or emotionally involved in the conflict. Another major factor contributing to the U.S not engaging in an external affair is the League of Nations (Gram and Ikonomou. 2019),. Initially (in 1916), the U.S president’s idea that a global organization should be put in place to ensure there is cooperation and peace in every nation by facilitating mediation and negotiations of disputes. However, considering the organization’s popularity at that time and looking at the effects of war, many Americans did not have a problem with it.
Nevertheless, some members of the congress like Henry Cabot Lodge, strongly opposed it and argued that it is an expensive distraction to United States’ wellbeing. Due to this, President Harding never allowed the United States to join the League of Nations. Many political theorists and historians faulted the U.S for the inability of the League of Nations to prevent World War 2 due to lack of leadership and proper participation. Another reason contributing to the continuity of isolation is Presidents Harding’s victory in 1920 (Bialer 2019). His campaign promise was “less government in business and more business in government”. This policy enabled his administration to focus more on the United States’ internal problems. The new government empowered and supported smaller businesses by reducing regulations, cutting taxes, and leading to radical growth and increment in local production. In the 1920s, businesses became a sign of success, making the U.S bounce back economically more vital after the war (Maddox 2018). The following success led to tariffs being imposed to restrict the entry of imported goods hence increasing the local production. President Harding’s leadership style and philosophy largely contribute to isolation policy and the United States stoppage on other nations’ involvement.
The United States has continued its long-standing policy of not meddling with external affairs while applying an isolation policy. The United States’ early ideologies, philosophies, and leadership style have greatly influenced the prosperity in industrialization, farming, and peace inside the region. A strong economy has stabilized her citizen’s social, political, and economic needs, hence making it necessary for higher concentration on domestic affairs and avoiding unnecessary external alliances. If these two policies continue to be in place, the United States will continue to be stronger in every aspect, making it one of the best moves a nation can make.
References
Bialer, S. (2019). Soviet Foreign Policy: Sources, Perceptions, Trends. In The Domestic Context of Soviet Foreign Policy (pp. 409-441). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429310102-15/soviet-foreign-policy-sources-perceptions-trends-seweryn-bialer
Gram-Skjoldager, K., & Ikonomou, H. A. (2019). The construction of the League of Nations secretariat. Formative practices of autonomy and legitimacy in international organizations. The International History Review, 41(2), 257-279. https://doi.org/10.1080/07075332.2017.1409792
Maddox, R. J. (2018). The United States and World War II. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429495786
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