WWII and US foreign policy....10 points to best answer?

Question

I need to know if the outbreak of WWII proves that US foreign policy from 1928-1941 was a failure. Stuff dealing with Townsend, The King Fish, Father Coughlin, The New Deal etc. YES, I've read my assignment and have 10 pages of notes...but I literally cannot comrehend it! I'm historically stupid!! Webpages with this info (direct info not a million different pages) would be great.... or if you know and could explain it to me cuz I DON"T GET IT!!!

Thanks! Jessica

Answer 1

You are NOT stupid.

Consider what was happening at the time. THE GREAT DEPRESSION was a biggie. It was not just in the U.S., but throughout Europe as well. By "foreign policy" you should first explore ECONOMIC policy. In the end, it's always about the money.

Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, declaring war on the U.S. over trade policies. Check into that.

The U.S. was isolationist in economic policies as well as staying out of the war until we were attacked. Focus on isolationism with regard to economics. There were lots of trade barriers.

The New Deal was America's way of trying to build its way out of the Depression. But it was internal and did not include other nations. As we struggled through the depression, what was our foreign policy on trade? What effect did it have on the world?

If you explore these areas, I'm sure you will find what you need to form an opinion.

Obviously, I feel that the economic isolationism brought America to war. But the real question is: Did isolationism help or hurt us economically. Why did Japan bomb us? (This asks what effect our foreign policy had on Japan.)

A study in economics would be good as basic economics teaches that it is always better for both parties to trade commodities. Find an economics text and it will be explained within the first 1-3 chapters. It's in chapter 2 in mine. :o)

Sue

Answer 2

I have a feeling that you might have this information already, if that's the case please accept my apologies.

ROOSEVELT AND THE NEW DEAL

In 1933 the new president, Franklin Roosevelt, brought an air of confidence and optimism that quickly rallied the people to the banner of his program, known as the New Deal. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," the president declared in his inaugural address to the nation.

http://www2.let.uu.nl/solis/ams/xroads/ch10.htm

http://douglassarchives.org/ooah/ooah10.htm

The Depression in the United States--An Overview

http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/depression/overview.htm

Good luck.

Kevin, Liverpool, England.