Roles Played by U.s Foreign Policy in the Outbreak of the World War II

 Americans Foreign Policy
American Foreign Policy refers to a document which explains the interaction between United States and other foreign nations. In addition, the document illustrates set standard that define interaction not only between citizens, but also between organizations and corporations. Despite the fact that the president bears the absolute authority concerning the foreign policy, it is the Secretary of State also known as the Foreign minister who is in charge of maters of diplomacy. The foreign policy in United States has been changing from time to time. For example, the country was marked by isolationism before and even after the 1st world war. However, the president by then Franklin Roosevelt shifted from the Isolation policy and started to support the allies when they when they were fighting with Germany and Japan. Although the president did not send his soldiers directly, he used to support the allied forces by sending war equipments as well as with financial support.

After the First World War, United States developed a foreign policy that was meant to prevent Japan from attacking China as well as the Soviet Union. The policy illustrated that globally, people were supposed to have the freedom of religion and speech as well as they should not be in want or in fear. Nevertheless, instead of being threatened by the policy, studies indicate that as a means of reacting, Japan attacked the Pear Harbour and that marked the beginning of United States involvement in the world war II not only against Japan but also against Italy and Germany. The president joined hands with Winston Churchill who was from Britain and also with Joseph Stalin. During that particular time, United States was majoring in production of war equipment like ships, munitions, airplanes and also the atomic bombs. Consequently, United States ended up becoming an economic power due to sale of the war equipments and other goods.

American’s Policy of Isolationism
History records that during the nineteenth and part of the twentieth century, America was isolated from other countries in the world as its foreign policy demanded it to be so. In the battles that were fought in the nineteenth century like in the Mexican war or even the war between Spanish and America, America fought alone and did not join other countries from Europe. However, since change is inevitable, there were a lot of issues that took place in the twentieth century that were forcing American to abandon its policy. During the world war one, America could not have afforded to remain neutral especially after German declared a submarine war against it. The policy of isolation was applied in other sectors like trade since taxes were imposed on imports to protect manufactures from United States. In addition, the same policy was applied in limiting immigrants especially from Europe. The policy was till in place until 1940 when the situations present by then prompted America to review its earlier decisions. Some Americans were for the ending of the isolation policy while others were against it. However, immediately after Japan attacked the Pear Harbour, American had no choice other than to do away with the policy, though temporarily. On the same note, it is important to mention that although the policy was not eliminated immediately, it was not dominant in the domestic and international affairs of America. Having discussed the history of the policy, it is important to discuss how the foreign policy contributed to the outbreak of the Second World War.

The Emergence of the War
The signs of the war were first visible in the continents of Europe and Asia but United States was unwilling to b e involved as it was still experiencing the effects of the great depression. However, in the year 1935, America signed the Neutrality Act during the leadership of President Roosevelt following the hearings concerning the causes of the World War I. Latter, United States continued sign many neutrality acts to signify that it was not willing to assist any country or take part in the war. Even after the onset of the Spanish war, United States’ Neutrality Act did not allow it even to assists the nations which it was relating with even on friendly basis. As the tensions in the world continued to increase, United States was forced to pass acts which were not as restrictive but even by doping so; the country was still unwilling to get involved in the war.

Through the use of the neutrality act, America managed to isolate itself from the main affairs which were taking place in the world. However, in the year 1939, Americans were not aware of how they could have stayed uninvolved especially when the secretary of state was declaring that the only way that they would have managed to maintain their stand was only by preventing the war. However, the neutrality act which had being signed prohibited selling of weapons and other war equipments. In addition, it also stated that any civilians who may decide to enter the war zone would have done it under their own risk. Although it was necessary for United States to be involved, they decided to go on isolation because they believed that the great depression which had serious impacts on their economy and social life was caused by the First World War. In addition, United States had adopted pacifism and was not willing to engage in any activity that would have affected their stand. Lastly, apart from believing that they were not entitled to provide any support, they also believed that the World War I was as a result of their mistake. At this point, it is important to trace major events that contributed to the Second World War.