Introduction
The United States’ foreign policy underwent several profound changes from the 1890s to the 1950s. This shift was influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic growth, world wars, and changes in global power dynamics. Despite accentuating stability in foreign policy, three key changes were observed during several decades: the shift from isolationism to global engagement, the rise of international institutions, and the onset of the Cold War policy of containment.
The Transition From Isolationism to Global Engagement
The most dramatic shift in American foreign policy during this time was the move from isolationism to global engagement. Before the 1890s, the United States had largely adhered to President George Washington’s advice to avoid entangling alliances. However, toward the end of the century, the Spanish-American War marked the beginning of American imperialism and global engagement.
This shift was driven by several factors, including economic interests and a belief in American exceptionalism (Adams et al., 2019). Furthermore, the successful annexation of territories, such as the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam, firmly established the United States as a global power with its particular influence on other countries (Bass, 1900). Thus, it is possible to state that the United States has successfully changed its focus to global engagement to increase its stability.
The Rise of International Institutions
The devastation of World War I led to a fundamental shift in how nations interacted, culminating in the creation of the League of Nations in 1920, the first significant international institution aimed at maintaining world peace. Although the United States did not join, the principle of international cooperation had been established and influenced the principles of foreign policy for America (Chavez et al., 2019). The U.S. participation in World War II and its subsequent role in establishing the United Nations in 1945 solidified America’s commitment to international institutions (Brenes et al., 2019). One should note that this shift was motivated by the belief that collective security could prevent future world wars and the desire to spread democratic values.
The Launch of the Cold War Policy of Containment
The third significant change occurred in the aftermath of World War II, with the onset of the Cold War. Since the country faced the rising threat of Soviet Communism, American foreign policy underwent another transformation. The Truman Doctrine of 1947 established the policy of containment, aimed at stopping the spread of Communism worldwide (The Truman Doctrine, 1947). This step was a radical departure from pre-war policies, with the U.S. actively engaging in the internal affairs of foreign countries.
The Marshall Plan, which provided significant financial aid to Western Europe, was part of this policy (Marshall Plan, 1948). The advent of the Cold War marked a new era in American foreign policy, with the U.S. taking on the role of a global policeman. This shift was driven by the perceived threat from the Soviet Union and America’s newfound status as one of the world’s superpowers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one should state that the United States’ international policy during the 1890s-1950s underwent a remarkable transformation. From a nation focused on domestic affairs and avoiding foreign entanglements, the U.S. emerged as a key player in global politics, engaging with other nations through warfare, international institutions, and economic aid. These shifts were driven by a complex interplay of factors, including economic interests, ideological beliefs, and global power dynamics. Understanding these changes and their causes provides valuable insights into the evolution of American foreign policy and its continuing impact on global affairs.
Bibliography
Ellen Adams et al., “American Empire,” in The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open US History Textbook, vol. 2: Since 1877, eds. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2019), 91-99.
John F. Bass, compiled in Harper’s History of the War in the Philippines, ed. Marrion Wilcox (New York: Harper, 1900), 162.
“Marshall Plan, 1948,” Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute, United States Department of State, Web.
Michael Brenes et al., “The Cold War,” in The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open US History Textbook, vol. 2: Since 1877, eds. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2019), 259-266.
“The Truman Doctrine, 1947,” Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute, United States Department of State, Web.
Tizoc Chavez et al., “World War I and Its Aftermath,” in The American Yawp: A Massively Collaborative Open US History Textbook, vol. 2: Since 1877, eds. Joseph Locke and Ben Wright (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2019), 154-156.