When war broke out in Europe in 1914, the United States vowed to remain neutral. The American people had no interest in becoming entangled in the affairs of foreign nations. This sentiment was further solidified by the large number of American casualties in World War I, which left a lasting impact on the nation.
With the end of the twentieth century rapidly approaching, this is a time to look back and gain some perspective on where we stand as a nation. The desire to avoid another costly and bloody conflict like World War I was a driving force behind America's policy of isolationism. The country wanted to focus on rebuilding and strengthening itself internally, rather than getting involved in foreign wars.
The United States entered World War I in 1917, following the sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania and the shocking discovery of the Zimmerman Telegram, in which Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the US. These events, along with the staggering loss of American lives, made the nation wary of getting involved in another global conflict.
The passing of time has led to myths to be formed around those born in the early 20th century. Here are some false things about the generation that experienced the horrors of World War I and witnessed the devastating consequences of war.
The desire to help Americans travel to foreign countries was not a driving factor in America's policy of isolationism before World War II. Instead, the focus was on protecting American lives and interests by staying out of conflicts that did not directly impact the nation.
The Islamic State, al-Qaeda-linked groups, Boko Haram, and other extremist movements are protagonists in today's deadliest crises, but these were not the primary concerns for America before World War II. The nation's decision to adopt a policy of isolationism was rooted in the desire to avoid being dragged into another devastating conflict like World War I.
In conclusion, the large number of American casualties in World War I played a significant role in shaping America's policy of isolationism before World War II. The nation was determined to avoid another costly and destructive war, and this mindset influenced its decision to stay out of foreign conflicts. By focusing on rebuilding and strengthening itself internally, the United States sought to protect its interests and maintain its neutrality on the global stage.
