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Presidents that Encouraged the United States to Practice Isolationism

Summary

Isolationism is a government policy of avoiding involvement in foreign affairs, including alliances, treaties, and international conflicts, to focus on domestic growth. U.S. presidents like George Washington and Woodrow Wilson initially embraced isolationism, though global events like World War I later shifted policies. In recent years, figures like Donald Trump have revived isolationist ideals, emphasizing "America First" to prioritize national interests over global engagement.

Table of Contents

What is Isolationism?

Isolationism refers to a government policy of not engaging in any role in the affairs of other nations. The policy of isolationism, which might be officially acknowledged by a government or not, is featured by the refusal or reluctance to engage in alliances, treaties, trade commitments, and various international agreements.

Individuals who advocate for isolationism are usually referred to as ‘Isolationists’, and they believe that it allows the nation to devote all of its efforts and resources to advancement. Isolationism is possible through evading binding responsibilities and remaining at peace with other countries. Here are several U.S. presidents who promoted isolationism in the United States.

George Washington

When President George Washington ascended to power, the United States of America introduced a policy of isolationism and neutrality regarding the internal affairs of other nations. Political leaders in the United States argued that if the country avoided free trade and humanitarian emergencies, it would avert permanent alliances.

President Washington’s farewell address emphasized non-involvement in Asian and European politics and wars. For a better part of the 19th century, the expanse of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans made it easy for Americans to avoid world conflicts and enjoy free security.

President Woodrow Wilson

In 1914 when World War I began, the United States maintained a stance of neutrality. President Woodrow Wilson encouraged the entire nation to avoid ideologically engaging in conflict. Americans were excited to stay out of the World War I, allowing Wilson to win a second term as president in 1916.

When Woodrow Wilson was re-elected, he was very keen on staying out of the war. However, there was a considerable movement advocating for preparedness in the American government. This was due to events highlighting rising German international aggression, including the sinking of a British ocean liner by a German submarine.

Seeds of Isolationism

After watching German aggression for several years, President Wilson, a political analyst, started changing his foreign policy. He requested Congress to participate in the war to promote global democracy. After realizing that the devastating war in Europe was about to spill all over the Atlantic Ocean.

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There was a massive loss of lives during this war that wasn’t possible to ignore. It awakened the United States in taking up leadership roles to promote and maintain every nation’s freedom, self-determination, and sovereignty. Wilson started uttering public statements that described war as a means of righting wrongs among nations.

In the 1930s after World War I, the memory of tragic losses and the Great Depression pushed United States public policy and opinion towards isolationism. The isolationists played a significant role in promoting non-involvement in Asian and European conflicts and non-engagement in international politics.

Photo of World War I trenches — World War I imbued U.S. leaders with a sense of obligation to promote democracy globally.

Economic Justification for Isolationism

During President Woodrow’s term, the U.S. temporarily loosened its isolation policy to defend democracy globally. The United States intervened in a world war to shape the nation’s status as a proclaimed defender of democracy and freedom across the world. He radically altered the foreign policy of the United States.

However, after World War I, the United States experienced tremendous effects, detaching from global affairs and enacting isolationist policies. Isolationism assisted in fostering internal development and growth.

At the same time, Americans at home experienced a fragile and slow recovery from the Great Recession. The economist compared the Recession to the Great Depression of 1929. As America suffered from a failing economy at home and war abroad, it ended up in a situation that justified isolationism similar to the late 1940s.

Rebirth of Isolationism

Despite terrorist attacks on 11th September 2001 spawning the spirit of nationalism observed in America since World War II, the War on Terror might have led to the rebirth of American isolationism. In Iraq and Afghanistan, wars resulted in the death of thousands of Americans.

Photo of 9/11 attack aftermath — The War on Terror that followed the 9/11 attacks have led to a rebirth of isolationism.

With the threat of the Syrian war looming, many American citizens, including policymakers, were against the decision of U.S. involvement.

President Donald Trump Supports Rebirth of Isolationist Ideology

After winning the presidential elections in 2016, Donald Trump expressed his isolationist ideology “America First” during his first speech. President Trump stated that the United States wouldn’t observe global currency, global anthem, and there would be no certificates of global citizenship.

“We pledge the allegiance to a single flag, which is America. From this time, it will be America first,” Trump said.

Key Points

Isolationism is a government policy of avoiding involvement in other nations' affairs, including alliances, treaties, and trade commitments.
George Washington promoted isolationism, advocating neutrality and avoiding permanent alliances with other nations.
Woodrow Wilson initially maintained neutrality during WWI but later shifted policy to advocate for U.S. involvement to promote global democracy.
The devastation of WWI and the Great Depression in the 1930s reinforced U.S. isolationist tendencies.
Isolationism was seen as a way to foster internal development and economic recovery during difficult times.
The War on Terror post-9/11 and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan led to a resurgence of isolationist sentiment in the U.S.
Donald Trump's 'America First' policy emphasized national sovereignty and reduced global engagement, reflecting modern isolationist ideology.
Isolationists argue that avoiding international commitments allows a nation to focus on its own advancement and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is isolationism?

A:Isolationism refers to a government policy of not engaging in any role in the affairs of other nations. It is characterized by the refusal or reluctance to engage in alliances, treaties, trade commitments, and various international agreements.

Q:Which U.S. presidents promoted isolationism?

A:George Washington and Woodrow Wilson are notable U.S. presidents who promoted isolationism. Washington emphasized non-involvement in Asian and European politics, while Wilson initially maintained neutrality during World War I before shifting his stance.

Q:What were the economic justifications for isolationism in the U.S.?

A:Isolationism was justified as a means to foster internal development and growth, especially after events like the Great Depression and the Great Recession. It allowed the U.S. to focus on domestic recovery and avoid the economic and human costs of foreign conflicts.

Q:How did the War on Terror influence isolationism in the U.S.?

A:The War on Terror, following the 9/11 attacks, led to a rebirth of isolationism in the U.S. The high human and economic costs of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the looming threat of involvement in conflicts like Syria, made many Americans and policymakers wary of foreign engagements.

Q:What was Donald Trump's stance on isolationism?

A:Donald Trump promoted an isolationist ideology under the slogan 'America First.' He emphasized prioritizing U.S. interests over global commitments, stating that the U.S. would not adhere to global currencies, anthems, or citizenship certificates, focusing solely on national allegiance.

Alicia Reynolds

Alicia Reynolds holds a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master's degree in American Studies from Columbia University. Alicia is a keen writer and consultant for ConstitutionUS.com, creating engaging content that demystifies complex constitutional concepts for a wide audience.