USA Avoided Involvement in European Affairs until 1917
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‘Up to 1917 the USA consistently avoided involvement in the affairs of European nations.
ESSAY
There is merit to both sides of the argument regarding the level of involvement the USA had in European affairs up to 1917. On one hand, it is true that the United States had historically sought to avoid entanglement in European conflicts, as exemplified by the Monroe Doctrine, which aimed to isolate the Americas from European intervention. Even after expanding its territory via the acquisition of former Spanish territories, the US focused more on its Pacific interests rather than becoming heavily involved in European affairs. The country also had a diverse population with roots in various European nations, and many immigrants had come to the US seeking refuge from persecution or poverty, which may have contributed to a reluctance to engage in European conflicts.
Furthermore, President Wilson's strong stance on neutrality during the early stages of World War I supported the claim that the US was avoiding European entanglements. Wilson won the 1916 election on a platform of maintaining this neutrality, despite the growing global conflict.
However, it is also important to consider that the US was gradually becoming more active in international affairs leading up to 1917. Presidents like McKinley and Roosevelt pursued policies that engaged the US in global negotiations and enhanced its international prestige. The Great White Fleet's international tour under Roosevelt's administration served to showcase US naval power on a global scale. Additionally, the US started to intervene in situations where its expanding global interests were at stake, such as during the Boxer Rising.
The US's involvement in World War I was not solely triggered by events within Europe but was also influenced by economic factors, such as the large loans made by US banks to Britain and France for purchasing American manufactured goods. The actions of German submarines, alongside incidents like the Zimmermann Telegram, gradually swayed public opinion against Germany and were instrumental in the US ultimately entering the war.
In conclusion, while the US did initially steer clear of direct involvement in European affairs, there were increasing signs of the country's emergence as a global player prior to 1917. Various economic, military, and political factors played a role in shaping the US's evolving relationship with Europe during this period.
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Up to 1917, the USA consistently avoided involvement in the affairs of European nations.
How far do you agree with this statement?
Indicative content:
This is a question with clear alternatives from which a balanced judgment can be made.
In support of the claim:
The US had, from the time of the Monroe Doctrine, isolated itself from European affairs. Even following the acquisition of the remnants of the Spanish Empire, the US focused on developing its Pacific, avoiding involvement in European affairs. Given that many of its citizens came from different European countries and many had migrated to avoid persecution and escape poverty, there was little appetite amongst many Americans for involvement with the other world powers. When the First World War began, the US immediately asserted its neutrality, and President Wilson was strongly opposed to involvement. Wilson fought the 1916 election campaign on a platform of continuing neutrality and won a second term.
Challenging the claim:
The Progressive presidents from McKinley onwards pursued a more active overseas policy and engaged in international negotiations like the Treaty of Portsmouth (Russo-Japanese War). Roosevelt built up a modern navy and sent it on an international tour to enhance US prestige in 1907–09 (the Great White Fleet). The US increasingly got involved in situations when its growing international interests were threatened (e.g. Boxer Rising). US banks made large loans to Britain and France that were used to buy US manufactured equipment in the early years of the war. The actions of German submarines turned popular opinion increasingly against Germany, with Wilson only narrowly winning the 1916 election; the Zimmermann Telegram was just the last straw.
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