American Foreign Policy Since World War 2 - 1395 Words

Background to U.S Foreign Policy In their book American Foreign Policy since World War 2, Steven W. Hook, and John Spanier take a historical look at American foreign policy. Since its independence, all through to the start of the 20th century, the United States had a policy of detachment. This was rooted in the believe that Europe, the only other meaningful powerful in the world in the 18th and 19th century, had intrinsic issues related to feudism that kept the continent in a constant state of war (Hook Spanier, 2015). The U.S on its part was far away from Europe and had a unique chance to chart a different course, one free from the troubles of Europe. As a democracy free from the class systems of Europe and hence maintain peace and stability (Hook Spanier, 2015). To maintain this peace and stability, it was in the United States interests to maintain detachment from Europe. In fact, Monroe wrote that Europe and its flawed system was evil and America should strive as much as possible to stay away from it (Hook Spanier, 2015). However, in the 20th century, this policy of detachment was put to the test when the United States was drawn into the first and second world wars by external factors. This led the United States to get more engaged in global affairs. The idea behind engagement was to promote the ideals of democracy which, the U.S believed were the pillars of peace, as well as to protect itself from aggressors like Japan in the Second World War. After theShow MoreRelatedEssay about American Foreign Policy and Global Activism928 Words   |  4 PagesAmerican foreign policy has gone through many changes during our 200 years as an independent nation; our position as a global power has obligated us to participate in world affairs, even when public opinion has been unsupportive. After World War 2 we were only rivaled by the Soviet Union as a superpower; our policy at the time was to establish a righteous world order while simultaneously protecting that order against threats that could tear it down (i.e.: communism). After the end of the cold warRead MoreThe President Is Responsible For Shaping Foreign Policy768 Words   |  4 PagesMoriah Riley American Government II Professor Garrison May 5, 2016 Forced Democracy The president is responsible for shaping foreign policy. He meets with leaders of other nations to solve problems and make peace. He, or she, meets with foreign ambassadors and negotiates treaties and personally find agreements. The Constitution states that the president signs treaties with other countries that are participating in the foreign policy. 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Roosevelt’s main priority was to keep the United States safe and in control, and his aggressive approach to foreign policies made his priorities happenRead MoreThe Civil War And Reconstruction1357 Words   |  6 PagesCivil War/ Reconstruction - Following the Civil War, the United States underwent a huge process of reconstruction to unifying and reconstructing the war-torn state. The nation still remained utterly divided between North and South in essentially all aspects of life including religion, race, and government. President Andrew Johnson,who succeeded President Abraham Lincoln enacted various policies in order to unite the country. These policies included friendly policies that pardoned Southerners whileRead MoreEssay about President Bush And Us Foreign Policy1683 Words   |  7 PagesThe United States election in 2000 raised a deb ate between democrat and republican and in the end the American people chose a new leader Mr. George w. Bush. President Bush clearly defined foreign policy objectives and goals. I have seen and hear our dear President Bush foreign policy after September 11. Following this, Bush has established its top priorities in foreign policy. He claims that an acts in the government to improve the international community through negotiation and cooperation. LikewiseRead MorePoliceman of the World Essay916 Words   |  4 Pages Assignment 2.2: Policeman of the World Final Pape HIS105 – Contemporary U.S. History 3/15/14 Since gaining independence from the British in 1776, the United States foreign policy over the years has gone from expansionist to isolationism to defending democracy. 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Isolationism is the policy of remaining apart from affairs and otr interests of other groups, political affairs of other countries. After World War One the U.S tried to reduce their appearance in world affairs. The U.S refused to join the League of Nations. Even though the American president at the time, Woodrow Wilson, thought they should join in world affairs to try and create peace, the Americans felt that they did not