American Shift to Isolationism

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Essay 31: American Shift to Isolationism Prior to America’s involvement in World War One, the nation was known as a great world power. During the late 1800s, the U.S acquired many new territories and sea power, overall strengthening their sovereignty as a country. However, the country’ foreign policy experienced a significant shift during the years from 1898 to 1919. The United States altered from an imperialistic nation to an isolationist country. Isolationism refers to America's longstanding reluctance to become involved in European alliances and wars. Isolationists held the view that America's perspective on the world was different from that of European societies and that America could advance the cause of freedom and democracy by means other than war. American isolationism did not mean disengagement from the world stage. Isolationists were not opposed to the idea that the United States should be a world player and even further its territorial, ideological and economic interests, particularly in the Western Hemisphere. However, as America gained significant power during the preceding years, the U.S underwent a period of isolationism, in oppose to imperialism, to protect their territorial gains. America’s isolationist beliefs stem back to the country’s colonial days. Thomas Paine expressed isolationist notions in his work “Common Sense”, which presented numerous arguments for rejecting alliances. Paine's works caused so much political influence that the Continental Congress denied an alliance with France and only required one, when it appeared probable that America necessitated one. George Washington and his Farewell Address also expressed America’s isolationism. The United States ended its alliance with France, after which America's third president, Thomas Jefferson, declared in his inaugural address, "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all
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