How did policies of isolationism and neutrality influence U.S. participation in World War I?
1 Answer
It limited US participation.
Explanation:
The US only became involved in World War 1 in 1917 after the sinking of the Lusitania by a German U- Boat.
In World War 2 the US became involved in 1941 after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour. Even then their involvement in Europe was not certain; however Hitler declared war on the USA a few days after Pearl Harbour.
In both instances many Americans were opposed to involvement. The USA's geographical isolation played a part and there was little confidence in the Allies necessarily winning.
In 1939 Joseph Kennedy the US ambassador in London advised Roosevelt to stay out of the war but if he were to back a side it should be Germany as they were going to win.
Many American industrialists were sympathetic to the Nazis and anti-semitic. All of Ford's profits in Germany went to the Nazi Party.
Charles Lindbergh was another leading right wing proponent of isolationism.
