http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1601.html
Isolationism in the 1920’s
This political cartoon depicts the United States system of Isolationism. The U.S. was facing a time of distrust towards anyone who wasn’t already in the United States. They closed the borders and made it more strict and harsh for people to come in the United States. Throughout the nineteenth century the United States isolated itself from foreign affairs. The Monroe Doctrine restricted the U.S. from getting involved in European affairs. Submarine warfare used by Germany was what provoked the U.S. into joining WW1. Yet soon after World War One, America returned to isolationism and failed to join the League of Nations. Before WW1 millions of people, most of which were form European countries came to the United States seeking a better life, a bigger fortune, and flee from poverty or persecution. Then quotas were introduced and by 1929 only 150,000 people were allowed to immigrate into the U.S. This political cartoon shows what immigrants were seeking and whether they were allowed in or not, and because of the United States’ system of Isolationism no one was allowed in. Even after a hole was dug under the fence and people were getting in illegally the United States still didn’t allow them to find what they were seeking. (Which is represented by each booth) Isolationism is a huge factor in what occurred during the 1920’s and it was a result from bad experiences with worldwide involvement.
The United States system of Isolationism was a huge factor leading towards WW2. It is also one of the main discussions in the present day United States. Isolationism meant the U.S. would not get involved in foreign affairs hence would not help any country in need. Germany was blamed for World War 1 and was forced to pay all reparations of the war and were forced to take the blame for the war. They were humiliated and isolated from the other nations. Germany became angry and was hurt. Germany faced harsh and cruel punishment and arose tensions between Germany and the other nations. Isolationism by the United States and the forced isolation of Germany from other nations built a tension and anger that would fatally cause a rebellion by Germany against the World causing another world war.
