This essay by two foreign policy scholars gives background to the concept that the United States did not really become isolationist after World War I.

Scroll through this discussion of Franklin Roosevelt's attention to foreign policy during his several terms in office to "Confronting Germany and Japan" and "Descent into War." Here you will find out about the United States' position of...

This extensive learning module examines how the United States' efforts to increase foreign trade, add new territory, and isolate itself from Europe affected its foreign policy and other initiatives. It investigates how advances in...

President Washington's departing remarks set foreign policy practices for the next century and a half. He warned against foreign alliances and argued for isolationism. Read a brief summary of his remarks.

This Library of Congress time-line series surveys World War I and the Jazz Age. When World War I broke out in Europe, many changes were going on in the United States. Women were voting for the first time and African-American culture was...

Text of Franklin Roosevelt's approval of the Neutrality Act of 1935, passed by the Congress in August, 1935. Read why Roosevelt thinks this act is a reasonable reflection of American foreign policy in the mid-1930s.

Examines the conditions that fostered the rise of Fascism and Nazism, the events during the lead-up to the outbreak of war, and what Roosevelt did to help affected nations yet still keep the United States neutral.

A brief overview of the United States in the World War I era. Read about initial American neutrality, American entrance into the war, and the American homefront.

Explains President Truman's plan to contain communism, which signaled the end of American isolationism. Also discusses America's pledge of financial aid to rebuild Europe with the Marshall Plan.

A discussion of historical events that led to the Cold War from the perspective of the U.S. Army. Particular emphasis is placed on military leadership and policy.

A lengthy explanation of the Fordney-McCumber Tariff of 1922 and its precursor. Find out about the disagreements between Democrats and Republicans about the necessity of the tariff, how it affected international relations, and how it...

Newberry Library digital collections presents a lesson using primary sources from which students explore the concept of "anti-state" sentiment and examine the reasons writers and politicians protest the authority of the federal...

How did the U.S. give aid to European countries fighting World War II when we were not supposed to be getting involved. See how President Roosevelt got around this by visiting this Library of Congress site.

Describes Roosevelt's policies towards Pan-America, involvement in the global conflict, and entry into World War II. Included are sample lessons and a bibliography. (Published in 1978)

The Spanish Civil War was a precursor of the tumult of World War II. Read a brief description of those involved in this civil war and see posters supporting each side.

An interesting look at the Lincoln Brigade and those who served in it fighting in Spain against the fascists in the Spanish Civil War.

You can see by reading the descriptions of these three neutrality acts how determined some in Congress were to isolate the United States and keep it out of World War II.

Discusses how Franklin D. Roosevelt guided the United States through World War II and laid the groundwork for Harry Truman to assume the role after his death.

Read about the rising militarism and fascism in Europe and Asia as dictators expanded their territories. See how the United States reacted with its series of three neutrality acts.

Read about the attempts of the United States to remain neutral during World War I raging in Europe. Find out what finally made U.S. entrance into the war inevitable.

Discusses the transition of the United States in the late 19th century from an isolationist country into an imperial power with colonies of its own and the reasons for this abrupt change in foreign policy. Includes questions for students...