American Isolationism-Part II: Staying Out of World War II

American Isolationism: My Q’s What was the Good Neighbor Policy and what effect did it have? What is isolationism? Describe two reasons America did not want to involve itself in another world war. How did both the Neutrality Acts and the Lend-Lease policy reflect beliefs about isolationism and avoiding war in America?

Like A Good Neighbor! During the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt put economic interests first, but he also tried to improve America’s relationship with Latin America. Because of the Spanish-American War, Panama Canal fiasco, and other shady dealings done by the Americans in Latin America in years past, many countries in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America did not like the U.S.A. Therefore, FDR implemented the Good Neighbor Policy, which withdrew U.S. troops from many Caribbean islands, renounced American control of Cuba, and reduced the role of the United States in Panama. It drastically improved the relationship between America and its southern neighbors.

Rise of Aggressors in Europe & Asia Benito Mussolini and his fascist followers took over in Italy in 1922. A decade later, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. Hitler, by preaching extreme Anti-Semitism and blaming the Treaty of Versailles for Germany’s problems, quickly established himself as Germany’s absolute dictator. He took over large segments of land in Europe by force. Britain & France thought that allowing Hitler to have these lands would appease him from taking other lands. Meanwhile, Japan began to invade China with the intention of taking over the entire country.

No More War! Although most Americans disliked these actions by Italy, Germany, and Japan, they did not want to get involved into another war. The majority of the country believed that American participation in WWI was a huge mistake and they did not want to repeat that mistake. Many novelists, playwrights, and film makers expressed their discontent with war in their works. More importantly, Congress passed the Neutrality Acts, which prohibited the U.S. from making loans or selling arms to these aggressors.

Inching Closer to War On September 1, 1939, WWII exploded as Hitler simultaneously attacked Poland, Britain, and France. The U.S. still wanted no piece of the war, but the average American now supported aiding Britain in their fight against the Nazis by sending them much-needed arms. Taking this into account, FDR proposed the Lend-Lease Bill which permitted the president to lend or lease military equipment to any country that supported American security. Through the Lend-Lease Bill, America gave weapons to both Britain and the USSR for their efforts against Germany. The Lend-Lease Bill, although it was supposed to keep America neutral, infuriated the Germans and convinced Nazi submarines to engage American ships with weapon cargo. WWII would be just around the corner!