3.11 Foreign Policy 1920-1945 Flashcards
What was the primary concern of US foreign policy in the 1920s?
Fear of spread of Communism
This concern influenced many diplomatic decisions and interventions during the decade.
What was the purpose of the ‘Open Door’ policy in the Far East?
To maintain equal trading rights for all nations in China
This policy was a significant aspect of US foreign relations.
What were the reasons for the Washington Conference 1921?
- Wanted to prevent the renewal of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance
- feared the spread of Japanese influence in the Far East, especially China
- Wanted to maintain Open Door Policy
Which treaty involved the US, Great Britain, Japan, and France respecting the Open Door policy?
Four Power Treaty
Japan agreed to remove troops from a Chinese province as part of this treaty.
What was a key limitation of the treaties established during the Washington Disarmament Conference?
Toothless treaty with tonnage limits only on battleships and aircraft carriers
This limitation made enforcement and sanctions difficult.
What was the Dawes Plan of 1924?
An $800 million loan with reduced reparation payments to $250 million a year
It aimed to stabilize the German economy post-World War I.
What did the Young Plan of 1929 achieve?
Reduced reparation payments to $26 billion, payable over 59 years
This plan further aimed to ease the financial burden on Germany.
What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928?
An agreement by 15 countries not to wage war except in self-defense
It had no enforcement mechanism, making it largely ineffective.
During 1924-29, how much did US investment in Latin America increase?
$1.5 billion to $3 billion
This reflected increasing economic interests in the region.
What was the ‘Good Neighbor Policy’ introduced by FDR in 1933?
A promise of friendship and non-intervention in Latin America
This marked a significant shift in US foreign policy.
What did the Neutrality Act of 1935 establish?
- Policy of non-intervention in foreign wars
- Prevented the sale of armaments to comabatant nations
- Prevented US citizens from travelling on ships of countries at war.
What was the Ludlow Amendment 1935?
A proposed amendment requiring a national referendum on war declarations, except if the US was attacked first
It was defeated in Congress despite public support.
What was the significance of the Panay Incident in 1937?
A turning point in US-Japanese relations due to the attack on USS Panay
It increased tensions between the two nations.
What did FDR’s Quarantine Speech in 1937 advocate?
An international ‘quarantine’ to counter aggressive nations
It suggested an alternative to US neutrality and favoured new economic pressures as opposed to a military response.
What was the impact of the Wall Street Crash of 1929 on US foreign policy?
A shift towards isolationism
Economic problems led to a focus on domestic issues.
What was the purpose of the Neutrality Acts passed in the 1930s?
To maintain US neutrality in foreign conflicts
They included restrictions on arms sales and loans.
What did the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 provide?
Britain would be ‘loaned’ the means to keep fighting
This marked a shift away from neutrality and was stronger than cash and carry
What event led to the US entering World War II?
Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941
This was a direct trigger for US involvement in the war.
True or False: The US joined the League of Nations after World War I.
False
The US failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles.
What was the main reason for the US’s economic sanctions against Japan in 1940?
Japanese expansionism in Asia
This included the invasion of China.
What was the outcome of the 1941 Atlantic Charter?
It outlined post-war goals for the US and Britain, such as destruction of Nazi tyranny, international peace, and freedom of the seas
This laid the groundwork for a special relationship.
What were the achievement of the Washington Conference?
- Reduced tonnage of battleships in a 5:5:3 ratio between the US, Britain, and Japan
- Signed the Four Power Treaty
What did the US do to show their committment to the Good Neighbour Policy?
- US troops left Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua
- Platt Amendment was repealed in 1934 which undid American involvement in Cuba
- Reciprocal Trade Agreement 1934 lowered tariffs
What intervention did the US have with Latin America between 1924-1929?
- General Electric controlled the provision of electricity in 8 Latin American countries
- Kemmerer Plans were established to offer advice on currency and central banks
- Mexico forced to pay $500,000 of defaulted loans
- 5000 US troops sent to Nicaragua to intervene in a civil war in 1926
What did the Neutrality Act of 1936 do?
Banned loans or crdits to countries at war (but not the trade of useful items such as oil)
What did the Neutrality Act of 1937 do?
Forbade export of arms to players in Spanish Civil War
What were public opinions on war involvement?
- Opinion polls showed 70% of the public were in favour of the Ludlow Amendment
- 95% of Americans were against any future involvement in war
What would negatives of the Ludlow Amendment being passed be?
- Much slower reaction to be able to defend themselves
- Lack of education of the America population
What were the events of the Panay Incident 1937?
- Japan invaded China
- USS Panay was evacuating American citizens when it came under attack from Japan
- 3 men were killed and more injured
- Japan claimed the attack was unintentional
- US received an apology and compensation
How did the Atlantic Charter 1941 come about?
Roosevelt met with Churchill and after 3 days of talks issues the charter.
How did America decide to aid the allies in November 1939?
Cash and carry - No American ships would carry weapons
What phrase is given to America’s support of the allies under lend lease?
‘All aid short of war’
FDR still not prepared to go to war with Germany
What was the objective of the Japanese in the Pearl Harbour attack?
to immobilise the US Navy so it could not stop Japan’s expansion into East Asia
What damage did Pearl Harbour have?
- The surprise attack used fighter planes and bombers
- Destroyed 180 American aircraft
- Sank 7 battleships
- 2400 servicemen killed
What was the result of Pearl Habour?
- US declared war on Japan
- Hitler declared war on the US
