Many authors and researchers consider the United States of America a super power in the world due to its technological advancements, as well as excellent leadership. It is a global leader in innovations and technology. This paper outlines some events that occurred in USA in the 20th century, some of which still affect the country in the 21st century.
The Technological Changes that Forced United States to Globalize its Security Approach
The twentieth century refers to the period between 1900 and 2000. During this period, the policymakers in the United States of America got more concerned about the security of the country (Gaddis 25) as a result of several technological changes in the international railroads and telegraphs as well as the emergence of a steam-driven warship.
America had to globalize the approaches to security due to these changes, which posed a substantial threat to the security of this country. The rising production of modern weapons also posed danger to America. Thus, the country had to expand its security beyond internal borders.
Prior to this concern, the country used three principles to provide security to the country. These were preemption, hegemony and unilateralism. Preemption became successful since the US had large borders and inadequate resources for their defense.
This principle involved fighting the enemies directly. It used unilateralism due to its geographical isolation from Europe, thus it could not look up to powerful friends to help the country in achieving its interests. Hegemony showed the country’s determination in staying away from sharing power with powerful states within the continent.
The US Public and Global Role in the World during the First Half of the 20th Century
The wars that occurred during the 20th century were responsible for drawing USA to a global role of leadership (Gaddis 55). The country assumed the position of a global leader after dissolution of the Soviet Union in the year 1991; up to date, many people view the country as a leader in the global economy, politics as well as social development.
Furthermore, the U.S. assumed a global role in the world during this period because of the emergence of modern weapons. The country joined the First World War due to the evolution of modern weapons and opinions of President Woodrow Wilson, who felt that security should be tightened beyond borders.
This opinion faced opposition from the American citizens as well as the elected representatives but it was crucial for the country’s economy and protection of its jurisdiction.
The public had to support the government in its activities so as to enhance technological advancements that had emerged. The American imperialism had already taken place at the time, and the public viewed this as something that would enhance the country’s influence in the global arena.
Reasons for the Failure of Roosevelt’s Approach to Foreign Policy
Roosevelt rejected the principle of unilateralism. He felt that the allies of America should have fought on behalf of America in the Second World War. The allies did exactly that, and the country got out of the war stronger than its allies (Gaddis 71). The US adopted the foreign policy of isolationism before the First World War.
This is a policy whereby a state avoids all international entanglements such as political alliances, organizations as well as trade agreements. The policy worked for some time and was later replaced with the policy of internationalism.
Following the Japanese attack of the Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt devised a new strategy cooperating with allies in the continent to keep authoritarianism at bay. America used the approach throughout World War II as well as during the Cold War.
Roosevelt adopted “the Grand Alliance” policy in order to cooperate with the Soviet Union (Gaddis 105). This policy was successful during the first years of the war. However, Roosevelt became weak later after the war and could not advocate for use of his policy.
Moreover, it received criticism from people who felt that America would have played a key role in helping European Jews during the war. Diplomatic as well as military officers opposed his policy. Thus, as Roosevelt fought with the Soviet Union, he was also fighting with his bureaucrats as well as diplomats. Therefore, the policy did not go far after the fall of the Soviet Union.
This policy was an extension of the Good Neighbor Policy. It was not perfect; it had its loopholes. The US policymakers still grapple with the poor relations of countries that are economically weak and those that are “bad neighbors.” The “bad neighbors” make it hard for the US to develop and implement policies that deal with international terrorism, global climate changes, drug trafficking, inflation, as well as corporate crime.
In essence, the history of USA is immense, and the country continues to influence all the countries in the world. It uses its high levels of technology and different policies to exert this influence. Thus, the country plays a leading role in the global world.
Works Cited
Gaddis,John. Surprise, Security and the American Experience. Boston: Harvard University Press, 2004. Print.