Introduction
America’s foreign policy has undergone significant changes throughout the country’s development. At the same time, each innovation was caused by factors that could not be ignored. The government must always keep the policy relevant for its application, and in this regard, from the 1890s to the 1950s, many courses and regulations changed.
Developing international relations with many countries required the United States to provide them with constant support; therefore, the isolationist policy could no longer work. In addition, the direction towards other countries has dramatically changed with the introduction of the policy of good neighborliness. The third significant change was the concept of deterrence, which was applied during the Cold War. Thus, the critical changes of the period under review are centered around key events that must be studied in detail.
Key Changes in American Foreign Policy in the 1890s–1950s
Shift from Isolationism to Interventionism
The first significant period in the history of the development of US international relations is marked by the transition from the policy of isolationism, which was considered invalid and ineffective. Earlier in the early 20th century, the US adopted this policy in order not to embroil the country in external conflicts that did not concern the Americans. Such a policy was strongly motivated because it involved Americans focusing on their internal problems to solve them.
Similar trends in American foreign policy emerged after the Spanish-American War of 1898, which marked the emergence of the United States as a significant player on the international stage. The United States gained some new territories during the war, which also served to abandon the old principle of non-intervention. In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt famously declared, “speak softly and carry a big stick.” Thus, this statement reflected the country’s new course, which was less closed to the world and more focused on intervention if it was to the advantage of the United States. Wars were a strong stimulus for the shift from closeness to interventionism since the United States played a crucial role in World Wars I and II.
Adoption of the Good Neighbor Policy
Another significant change implemented in the United States’ foreign policy during the period under review is the policy of good neighborliness. During the 1920s and 1930s, the US significantly changed its attitude towards Latin America. Instead of interventions, the United States had previously quite often carried out in countries located in that part of the mainland, the United States government tried to establish friendly relations.
This change was a kind of offshoot of a more global previous decision that marked the end of non-intervention. This change has become significant and tangible since the United States used military force exclusively in this region to defend its interests. The new policy instead focused on economic cooperation and cultural exchange, which could help strengthen relations between countries.
The policy of good neighborliness was also spurred in many ways by the growing forces of fascism in Europe during those years. This made Americans think about how important it is to establish optimally friendly relations with neighboring countries. The principle of good neighborliness substantially influenced the world order in this region and allowed the United States to gain significant allies.
Cold War Era and the Containment Strategy
The third characteristic change that took place during the Cold War was the adoption by the United States of a policy of containment and limitation by small actions. The country found itself in a new conflict immediately after World War II, but now the enemy was the Soviet Union. However, it is noteworthy that this war is the Cold War because neither side took direct military action. All actions were carried out with the help of diplomacy and interaction with third countries to create uncomfortable situations.
The United States chose a containment tactic during this period to prevent the spread of communism to other countries. The adoption of containment strategies as American foreign policy was justified by fears of communist expansion. The containment policy was carried out through some specific policies, one of which was the Marshall Plan.
It was supposed to provide economic assistance to Western Europe and unify several countries in defensive alliances. However, this strategy had some drawbacks, such as the military intervention in Vietnam, which brought significant losses to the United States while not having clear goals. Foreign policy containment was a logical continuation of the United States’ earlier strategies for international relations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is worth saying that American foreign policy towards other countries changed significantly throughout the entire period from the 1890s to the 1950s. Some factors that affect the relationship between countries are constantly shifting in different directions, providing significant sway in the international economic and political system. Thus, the United States was forced to change its strategies due to the development and changes in the actions of other players, as well as external independent factors. The gradual transition from one strategy to another is because countries are forced to adapt to the conditions they find themselves in.
References
- “American Empire.” The American Yawp. n.d. Web.
- William R. Nester. Theodore Roosevelt and the Art of American Power: An American for All Time. Rowman & Littlefield, 2019.
- “The Progressive Era.” The American Yawp. n. d. Web.
- “The Cold War.” The American Yawp. n. d. Web.