Introduction
The 1930s to the 1950s was a period of unprecedented changes in United States foreign policies as the US faced significant influence from external powers and powerful nations that threatened its national security. Although the reparations of the Great Depression encouraged policy-makers to opt for isolationism as a solution to improve economic and political stability, the US was forced to engage other nations in battle and join their allies in fighting against the spread of communism. As a result, the 1950s saw the US increase its initiatives abroad and sign several treaties with nations overseas to enhance integration and advance security measures. Subsequently, the effects of US approaches to foreign policy are notable in today’s political landscape as they have influenced policies that allow the nation to work toward its manifest destiny.
Three Critical Aspects of USFP during the 1930s to the 1950s
The Great Depression of the 1930s was a global financial event that influenced the US to retreat to its post-World War 1 approach of isolationism. America’s public opinion advocated for non-involvement in Asian and European affairs since they perceived the financial crisis as a result of losses incurred during the First World War. Before the Second World War, the US chose not to participate or intervene in international issues and even rejected securing membership in the League of Nations (Cox & Stokes, 2018). Although some individuals were reluctant to accept neutrality due to occasional turmoil and instability in allied countries, isolationists comprised diverse groups of conservatives, progressives, activists, and business owners. Therefore, they always triumphed in congress, thus allowing the US to limit its interference with conflicts and issues in other nations (Herring, 2008). However, the onset of the Japanese war in Asia and the deteriorating situation in Europe around the late 1930s encouraged congress to reconsider its USFP. However, a few Americans were ready to risk their lives for other nations’ benefit.
In 1937, President Roosevelt gave a speech in congress, suggesting that it was their responsibility to root out aggression in other nations since it would spread like a disease. From 1938 to 1940, US public opinion started shifting toward limited US aid for allied nations instead of complete neutrality (Herring, 2008). However, the unprecedented Japanese attacks on US Navy on December 1941 at Pearl Harbour convinced American citizens that the US had a major role to play in the war by protecting its allies. On 7th December of the same year, the US declared war on Japan, and days later, Italy and Germany waged war with the United States (Cox & Stokes, 2018). As a result, the US was fully involved in the Second World War, which followed a significant mobilization of troops comprised of both men and women to serve in the war overseas (Hook & Spanier, 2018). With the US losing a significant number of its labor force, the people who remained dedicated their efforts to supporting the war. Women who once worked as housewives took jobs in manufacturing plants, production factories, and industries that provided war resources.
After the Second World War, the US altered its foreign policy priorities toward containment by limiting the spread of communism beyond the nations under its influence. As a result, the US channeled most of its resources to limiting communism to European nations. Particularly, the US invested in advancing economic markets in Western Europe and creating a demand for their goods in favor of capitalist initiatives (Walt, 2018). Although these approaches fuelled the conflict between the US and USSR and aggravated the Cold War, the investments were valuable in limiting the powers of the Soviet Union. During the inauguration of President Kennedy, he made it clear that the nation was ready to pay any price, meet all hardships, and bear any burden to support its allies and oppose their enemies (Herring, 2008). Thus, the US expanded its commitments to Berlin, Indo-China, and Latin America. Consequently, the US took advantage of its military capabilities and resources to ensure a quick response to security issues and measures to prevent another global war.
Implications of USFP Changes during the 1930s to 1950s on Politics
The Great Depression, the Second World War, and the Cold War with Russia had significant implications on USFP and the political approaches the US adopts today. Although isolationism was perceived as a viable solution to assure self-dependence and limit adverse external influences, the Japanese attack on Pear Harbour informed US citizens that their survival and excellence depended on world peace and national cohesion (Herring, 2008). In addition, although World War 2 caused the US the loss of thousands of lives and resources, it encouraged industrialization, the inclusion of women in building the economy, and the financial stability of the US. Thus, the US was better positioned to control and intervene in global affairs after the war, a responsibility the nation has sustained since then. Moreover, the US engagement in the Cold War and its struggle against communism have shaped its international efforts in other countries as they seek to increase its capitalist influence (Walt, 2018). Consequently, the approach has proved beneficial as it has allowed the US to advance and become a leading global economy.
Conclusion
Since the Great Depression, the US has made several changes to its USFP approaches, allowing it to evolve from isolationism to playing a more active role in global affairs. The Second World War is one of the events that fuelled US engagement in foreign issues. However, its struggle with the USSR over communism and the need to enhance its arsenal for security purposes have enabled it to improve economically and in its security capabilities. Hence, the changes in USFP and political approaches from the 1930s to the 1950s have played a major role in positioning the US as a global superpower and allowing it to achieve its destiny of creating a democratic and peaceful world order.
References
Cox, M., & Stokes, D. (Eds.). (2018). US foreign policy. Oxford University Press.
Herring, G. C. (2008). From colony to superpower: US foreign relations since 1776. Oxford University Press.
Hook, S. W., & Spanier, J. (2018). American foreign policy since World War II. Cq Press.
Walt, S. M. (2018). US grand strategy after the Cold War: Can realism explain it? Should realism guide it? International Relations, 32(1), 3-22. Web.