Isolationism in the USA after WW1

notes summing up isolationism

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  • Created on: 15-06-10 08:37
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The Growth of Isolationism 1919-1922
The Rejection of the Treaty of Versailles
The main consequence of the war for America, was making it rich. They did this by
supplying food and raw materials to Europe and by stealing Europe's trade to India
and Canada. They didn't want to waste this money by solving other countries
problems, in the league of nations.
Woodrow Wilson couldn't participate in the next election due to a stroke meaning
James Cox stood for president for the democrats, lowering the democrats already
dwindling popularity.
100 000 American soldiers died in WW1, and the majority didn't see why more American soldiers should die
fighting for others.
America regarded itself as the New World and wanted nothing to do with the old world, when Wilson wants
to the peace talks he was the first ever American president to go to Europe.
There were a great number of immigrants living in America many of whom were German and they hated the
treaty of Versailles as it was very harsh towards the German people.
The treaty of Versailles supported the British Empire, limitation on German navy and mandates, which
America hated as it had once been part of the British Empire.
The Fordney McCumber Tariff
The Fordney McCumber tariff put a tax on imported products, so they became more expesive to buy than
America products. There were two elements to this tariff:
Scientific Tariff ­ this linked tariffs to wages in the country of export, the lower the wages the higher the
tariff. This negated the effect of lower wages in competitior countries
American Selling Price ­ this linked tariffs to the price of the American goods, so the imported product
would ALWAYS be more expensive.
Advantages Disadvantages
Less Competition Exportation suffered leading to overproduction
Widespread Market Products that can't be made in America may be too expensive
Government Makes More Money Reduces consumer choice
Economy initially benefited Foreign relationships suffer greatly
There were many criticisers of the Fordney McCumber tariff with Woodrow Wilson
saying `If ever there was a time when Americans had anything to fear from foreign
competition, that time has passed. If we wish to have Europe settle her debts,
governmental or commercial, we must be prepared to buy from her.'
Immigration Policy

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After WW1 there was a rethink of the open door policy, because of the war and an increased feeling of
nationalism. Also many feared that immigrants threatened their jobs and political beliefs such as communism.
Sacco and Vanzetti- Immigrants from Italy who had openly criticised the American government. It was
believed they murdered some guards in an armed robbery, they had a track record and witnesses against
them however the witnesses were confused and they had alibis.…read more


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