Foreign Policy 1920-45 Flashcards
20-30s
Tariffs?
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Fordney McCumber Tariff 1922
Hawley Smoot Tariff 1930
Isolationist
Continuity as 1890 McKinley tariffs - highest 50%ish
20-30s
Immigration?
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
21 Quota Act
1924 Johnson Reed
Growth of KKK, Red scare, Palmer raids, and setup of FBI helped stop immigration
Even when Hitler started persecution of Jews by initially denying them civil rights in 30s- Americans refused to relax laws
Continuity
1917 literacy test
Resurgence of KKK
20-30s
LON
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
LON- stop wars, disarm, improve lives and jobs and end slavery etc
Enforce TOV
Congress refused to ratify TOV and no join LON- but attended 40 of meetings that saw its set up and supported most of LON work
USA- vaccination programmes - eradicate plague in Siberia - done outside LON
US not involved in Munich agreement giving Hitler Sudetenland - but FDR reported to have opposed it
CHANGE in isolation -WW1- is involved and during guided age and Roosevelt
Promoting peace and health are
CHANGE - when signed TOV and LON assumes stay put but did stuff
20-30s
European loans
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Europe - huge debts from WW1
Owe US $10 billion 1918
US lowered interest rates when Europeans struggled but high tariffs in US prevented Europeans from earning dollars needed to pay off loans
European allies looked to war reperations from Ger to solve. Ger rep $3.3billion. But ger in economic crisis w high unemployment and hyperinflation in 1923 made them unable to pay - tried to borrow money from US and Europe to pay —> limits to what could borrow
Dawes plan 24
Young Plan 29
Contributed to economic recovery
But depression 1930 :////
CONTINUITY High tariffs. Guided age CONTINUITY isolationism - prevent US army intervening PROMOTING PEACE ETC Munich Agreement
20-30s
Washington Naval Conference?
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
US worked with GB and Japan to establish naval holiday and a 5:5:3 ratio for capital ships to help stop Naval armaments rave in Asia
France and Italy would have felts of equal size with ratio of 1:75 in the five power treaty
In 4 power pact, Jap and GB and US and Fra agreed to respect one another’s rights in Pacific and consult in a case of aggression
In the 9-power treaty, 9 powers w interests in Asia agreed to maintain the open door policy for China and guarantee the territorial integrity of China
CONTINUITY of Disarmament
The LON was made up by Wilson and had an aim of disarming. Coolidge is referring to the same issue
Change of disarmament
US rejected LON - more intervention w foreign affairs
20-30s
Geneva Conference?
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
1927 Coolidge issued a call to the Big Five powers to meet in Geneva to confront issue of naval rivalries, as a result of discussions.
Britain and Japan accepted the invitation but France and Italy
In end participants at conference failed to reach binding agreement regarding distribution of naval tonnage
DISARMAMENT
20-30s
Kellogg Briand Pact?
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Or called Pact of Paris attempted to outlaw war and was accepted by 62 nations
1928
Idea of 1928 US Secretary of State Frank B Kellogg and French foreign minister Briand.
Pact was called ‘wishful thinking’ since each country added its own reservations, not one outlawed a war of self defence (and most countries claim each war is a war of self-defence) and the document said nothing about enforcement
CHANGE from rejection of LON
Continuity
20-30s
Latin America
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Spanish American war and construction of Panama Canal reflected America’s response to dangerous escalation of global rivalries
Overall by early 1930s, relations w Latin America improved as collide and hoover worked had to develop friendlier relations
State department declared Monroe Doctrine would no longer be used to justify US intervention in Latin American domestic affairs and Latin American nations encouraged US investment and gave greater protection to these investments
20-30s
Monroe Doctrine
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Measures like T Roosevelt Corollary to Monroe Doctrine and implementation of dollar diplomacy underscored American efforts to gain influence. Addition of Woodrow Wilson’s gave a new dimension to American policy by including nation building as a rational for American policy in the region
20-30s
Haiti
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Wary of German influence in Haiti, American investors obtained the national bank of Haiti. In revolt against US friendly regime in Haiti, the Marines were sent to occupy Port-au-Prince in 1915. The Us gov would administer the island for next 2 decades
20-30s
Coolidge and Hoover foreign policy
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Between 1922-35- US withdrew from Cuba, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
1921 Colombia was paid $21m in compensation for the Panamanian Revolution
Hoover made goodwill tour in 1930 and did not intervene when riots broke out or revolutions took place- this was mostly due to depression
The Roosevelt corollary was repudiated by the Clark Memorandum
Despite this, US did not need to intervene because many of gov that were set up as a result of revolts were more favourable to US eg Samozza in Nacaragua 1925
Yet by 1930- 2/3 Cuba sugar production in Cuba owned by Americans and therefore they eco controlled are and didn’t need to intervene
20-30s
Ottawa Conference
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
1932
ottowa conference Saw U.K. give out preferential tariff agreements to the world
1933 Montevideo conference FDR promised to stay out of Latin American affairs.
Platt Amendment 1934 removed giving control back to Cubans
USA responded w own tariff policy 1933 and issued 18 trade agreements in 1934 w Latin American countries
20-30s
FDR good neighbour policy
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Initiation of FDR good neighbours policy in 1934 marked a firm commitment towards the use of diplomatic, economic and less overt military means to support American political interest, as the realities of the Great Depression curbed the ability of engaging in armed interventions or supporting long term occupations
20-30s
NYE
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
NYE committee reported 1936 lobbying of arms manufacturers were an explicit cause of US entry to WW1. Therefore in 1936 when a New Mexican gov nationalised oil, Roosevelt looked for compensation rather than intervention, yet a battleship was sent to Cuba to help overthrow democratic movement and install a dictator called Bastia FDT appeared v contradictory
20-30s
FDR and neutrality
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Speech 1933- keep out of fp
Movement to join world court - public and parties agreed it was good - but attempts by FDR opposes by senate
1930s Fascist Europe states - aim to influence South America - has support for Nazi party w German American pop etc —> ISOLATION
1936- FDR out of fp
Spanish civil war, Abyssinia 1935 reinforced this
1935 neutrality act created arms embargo (sanctions)
1936 neutrality forbade loans to belligerent (aggressive) countries?
1937 forbad travel on belligerent ships
After fascist nations joined a pact in 1936 suggested quarantining aggressive nations, not clear what FDR meant but reaction was hostile and more convinced public want out
Ludlow tried to introduce Amendment that necessitated approval of war through referendum as a reaction - narrowly defeated
Munich Agreement led to FDR asking congress for expanded Air Force and naval build up. Also wanted to sell planes to French but public hostility and neutrality acts forbid
Initiated secret meeting and talks w bri and Fr. When war declared - FDR said neutral
CHANGE - LON ISHHHH CONTINUITY TOO
20-30s
USA and Japan
What is this an example of
Change or continuity
Jap invaded Chinese province Nanking 1937
USA took no action
Believed strong China would block jap aggression
USA did more trade w Jap than China
USA argued no state of war existed between China and Jap so neutrality act didn’t apply
So US continue to send supplies to Chinese’s nationalist
Double standard maybe provoke jap
FDR 1937 speech condemning lawless nations
JAP attack USS Panay 1937- claimed they didn’t notice it was America
Compensation solve issue
FDR- stop Jap aggression - cut off scrap metal supplied and sent Pacific fleet to Pearl Harbor.
Then oil embargo on Jap- blow to Jap ability to attack
FDR then began negotiations w Jap but no agree on status of chins and on sanctions - many believe left Jap w little choice but to attack
—> Change - no longer isolation??
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Fireside chat
‘Even a neutral country cannot he asked to close his mind or his conscience’
Polls showed public supported bri and fra and wanted to supply arms but not get involved
Slow alliance but not fully
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Run up for election
FDR promised he would not send ‘our boys’ to fight
Fall of France made American public want to give aid but still divided
FDR appointed 2 Republicans to cabinet to secure his position Stimson and Knox
W their support - FDR got congress to pass Selective Service Act - first peacetime draft
Most agree that FDR sees these actions as precautionary. W neutrality acts in place it would be hard to acc do more
Distances from allied cause but allegiance
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Cash and carry
1939
FDR talks to republicans and democrats and ensured bipartisan support. He persuades Congress to adapt Neutrality with Cash and Carry. Presenting it as a strategy for keeping out
This allowed buy material but had to arrange own transport
Moving towards allied cause - persuading adaption of neutrality
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Destroyer deal
1940
Exchanged 50 old destroyers for colonial territory. Argued it ties US to cause further
FDR sells it as the most important defence measure in history. Bases would protect US interests
Allying-
Against neutrality act
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Fireside chat 40-41
FDR warns of implications of Nazi success. Talked about US being ‘Great Arsenal of Democracy’ opinion polls showed 80% approval of speeches
Allied cause - public support
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Land-lease
1941
Churchill Warner Britain faving bankruptcy.
Congress passed land lease.
This gave arms under loan conditions $50b over 4 years
FDR likened it to lending your neighbour a hose because the house was on fire
Tied to ally cause to lathe extent
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Atlantic charter
Churchill meets FDR off the coast of America. Churchill became convinced FDR would manufacture an excuse to get involved
Post war peace ideals were also set out, arms reductions, self determination, freedom of seas, free trade etc
Significant ally
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Atlantic attacks
1941, 1500 ships sunk in Atlantic. FDR gave secret permission to escort British ships across water.
And US security zone extended to Greenland
Could fire German ships if necessary to protect
41 Br plan and USS greer spotted German U boat. Plane dropped charges, U boat fires torpedo and Greet dropped depth charges and more torpedos fired
Neither sunk
Navy said ubost didn’t know its origins but FDR told public they did know and Ger fired first
Was he okay in lying
Stimson advises more help to Bri and Ger against USSR. FDR gives permission to sink
US in war all but name
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Did FDR invite the attack on pearl harbour
FDR obsessed w China’s great power status
He hoped China would develop into democratic nation and be beacon in Far East, blocking Jap aggression.
Us did more trade w Jap than China
(FDR keeps strong pro Chinese relations to keep US dominance there and keep Europe out)
ONLY SMALL TENSION
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Did FDR invite the attack on pearl harbour
Jap attack China
1937
Nanking Massacre.
US took little action and argued no war existed and the USA could continue to send arms to supply Shek
This double standard led many to believe it was provacative
Creates strong aggression and tension
!
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Did FDR invite the attack on pearl harbour
USS Panay incident
1937
Jap attack on American gunboat Panay while it was anchored outside Nanking
Jap and US x at war
Jap claimed they didn’t see American flags and paid an indemnity
This caused US opinion to turn against Jap
Partial tension only
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Did FDR invite the attack on pearl harbour
Chicago Speech
1937
FDR condemns lawless nations.
To some it seemed US moving away from neutrality.
FDR still worked w Japanese leaders
Many argue economic interests were not at stake for full interventions
TENSION - moving away from neutrality
Did FDR remain neutral onset war?
Did FDR invite the attack on pearl harbour
Pearl harbour
US imposed oil embargo severely restricted Jap poeef
Why they launched a shoot attack in Dec 41
US then declared war on Jap and because of alliance system between Ger Itsly and Jap, US embroiled in the war on both fronts
Japan motives for attack on pearl harbour?
Imperialism (copy cat)
More resources needed for growth in pop
Inability of LON ->decision making tricky, depression, US X joined X own army
Alliance w Germany. Rome Berlin Triparlite Alliance
Political will of leaders
Increasing antagonism pot
???
Historian conclusions about FDR and entry into WW2
Some criticise him for standing up to Japan and for making suicide thing
Some say he’s isolationist
Some blame him for pearl harbour - delibrately ignored warnings
Some say he was an internationalist
Impact of 1920 election
Rejected wilsonism and turned America in on self
Interest year - like isolationism
Only in late 30s - reluctantly engage in international affairs
Japan 41- WW2 end of isolationism
Young Plan and dawes Plan
US dominance in world eco —> US played a role with Dawes and young Plan 1929
Extended Germany’s time tocpay debt
Open door policy in China and rise in Japan
Washington naval conference
X isolationists
1922 WNC -> 3 major treaties signed 1922
At time = triumph for naval disarmament and for stability in Far East -> changed w rise of militarism in Japan and Manchiria conference 1931
Refusal join LON and Anti immigration legislations
Republican presidents had little interest in foreign affairs
Harding and Coolidge focused and politics and economy at home
When Jap invaded Manchiria 31- hoover took lil notice
How did FDR change US policy in Latin America
President Roosevelt announced his ‘Good neighbour policy’ in March 1933 promising a new US policy of friendship and non intervention in Latin America
Ludlow amendment
Proposed by Ludlow, a Democrat from Indonesia, to forbid the declaration of war w out gaining consent of the people in a national referendum
Not passed
Neutrality act
1935
Committing US to a policy of non-intervention in foreign wars, and preventing the sale of ammunition’s to the countries involved
When was federal gov strengthened
Powers of federal gov
FDR—> huge prestige as world statesman and commander is chief
Federal gov inc size and collected taxes
$1.9 bill - 1932
$45 bill - 1945
Roosevelt leadership vital for war
Close Anglo-American cooperation in sharing secret intelligence derives from code breaking -> eg on FDR ability to take personal initiative w/o knowledge or approval of Congress
War and economy
‘Good war’ saw emergence of US as military - industrial super power
From 1940, Britain = incapable of continuing war w/o US loans and munitions
From 1941- land-lease also provide essential assistance to USSR
US sit power enabled mass bombing of Ger and Jap
Liberation of Ger - 1944-45 —> due to vast war eco US
Millions of J ops created
US enjoyed benefits of consumer boom
The war Hitler won
1938-45
The invasion of Poland was the 3rd stage of war of conquest -> began with Austria in March 1938 - followed by dismemberment of Czechoslovakia 1939
Hitler won European war 1941 December
Summary of war 1942
Axis (Ger, It, Jap) v Alliance (USSR, US, BRI) went bad for allies 1942
On Eastern Front, Ger armies drove deep into southern Russia
Britain looked to be losing Mata, Egypt and Suex Canal
Ger U Bomb winning convoy war
Summary of war 42-45
41-43 balance of war shifted
Soviet forces defeated the German invaders at stalingrad and kursh
By May 1943- the battle of Atlantic had turned against U Boats
Allied armies drove Germans out of North Africa and invaded Italy
US forces halted Japanese expansion in Pacific
Summary of war
Defeat the axis
Axis crushed by superior military and eco power of allies
Mass bombing destroyed the eco of Germany and Japan
Germany invaded fromeast and west
Soviet= US armies met in heart of Ger
War ended w unconditional ( surrender of Ger and Jap )
Impact for war on society
for other countries —> mass destruction, mass casualties, rationing of basic food stuff and occupations by foreign armies
US —> living standards went up
Cultural life and pop entertainment thrived
Supporting a strong sense of national unity
Living standards and social mobility
Strengthen trade union organisations
AFL and CIO rained more influence
Federal gov = pressure on employees to recognise unions
CIO- no strike policy
War led to inc social mobility
Conscription
Agricultural work
Women
UAW and FEPC
National myth and reality of war
‘Good war’ -> success of propaganda
Production reached high levels and civilian consumption went up by more than 10%
Gap narrowed between rich and poor
Surge in mass entertainment
Radio reached every home
The war and African Americans
Still discrimination
Trade unions continued to bar AA from membership
In armed forces AA served mostly in segregated units
Difference in America standpoint from ww1 —> WW2
In 1945, unlike 1920- US assumed responsibility of world power and did not retreat to isolationism
Yalta conference
1945
Long discussions devoted to planning post war peace
The problem was that agreements hammered out at Yalta were provisional and incomplete, providing a final formal peace treaty later
The final treaty was never signed and the Cold War occurred instead
Truman was
Roosevelt’s successor
Little knowledge in foreign affairs
Was at Potsdam
Had to bring war with Japan to conclusion
Truman and Potsdam
Stood up to Stalin
But pushed Stalin too hard to move away from agreement previously made at Yalta
Potsdam failed agreement
Truman - success atomic bomb - Stalin found out
Truman and atomic bomb
Manhattan project 1641
Successful 1945
Truman found out but do did stalin
Bomb used to destroy cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki inc Aug 1645
Was it necessary?
Not US is dominant
Economic changes in war
Unemployment
Unemployment fell to 1.9% by 1945 as 20% employed in army
- despite this consumption X rise
- Americans were enc to spend to spend less and purchase WAR BONDS to help finance the war n
- Victory Loans drives were held to enc Americans to purchase bonds
Economic changes in war
Finding for war
Finding for war gov and tax - inc 5-6X 1941-45
Economic changes in war
Investment and consumption
Decline in investment and consumption
Economic changes after war
Food
People enc pressure to preserve food and make own.
Freezes also instigated for wages.
Living standards for employed X improve.
GDP- WW2 did X cause permanent trend or inc after war ended
Economic changes is war
Gold standard
After 1929 crash, price of gold rose by people redeeming $ in gold
Federal reserve made worse by raising interest
When WW2 - done - countries yes abandon gold standard
Economic changes in war
Bretton Woods
Creation of IMF whose purpose was to promote stability of exchange rates and financial flows
IRBD whose purpose was to speed reconstruction after WW2 and faster eco development esp thru lending to build infrastructure
Other recommendations for international economic co-operation
Gave nations flexibility then strict gold standard but less volatile than no standard
Economic changes in war
Distribution of wealth
More even distribution of wealth
Created the ideal conditions for the formation of an advanced consumer economy
More wealth could now be spent as restrictions lifted
Economic changes in the war
Price controlling
Price controlling and rationing held back consumption
No buy goods like washing machines, irons etc as the raw materials and production capabilities to produce these goods needed for war effort
WAR PRODUCTION BOARD —> able to assign priorities to scarce materials such as rubber and steel- to ensure went to production of military X domestic
OFFICE OF PRICE ADMINISTRATION —> in addition, wages were controlled and personal savings = encouraged through purchases of war bonds - limit disposable income
Grand alliance
Never a real partnership
Deep ideological differences between West and Soviet Union - it can be argued ‘Cold War’ existed since 1939
Allies only came together against Hitler
Once Hitler fear gone as Ger close to defeat - tensions between allies occurred
Cold War - 1949-beginning Trained 1945
Social changes in the war
Women
Women entered workforce and +6 million part of workforce in WW2
Women worked industrial jobs
Rosie riveter iconic figure - work
Those who worked were known as ‘Rosies’
The office of war information - posters
1942- Roosevelt created Women’s Auxillary forces which inc branches of the military specifically for women
Women X allowed to participate in armed conflict + most women in military = FANKS jobs eg clerks, secretaries
Kept communication going
-women who served in the medical corps faced more danger as their work was usually performed closer to front lines
Social changes in war
Armed forces
Men and women voluntarily enlisted in armed forces in record numbers
By end of war- more than 12 million members of US armed forces
More than 350,000 women served on US military and 750,000 served as nurses
Social changes in war
Propaganda
Newspaper and radio programming were geared towards reporting the war and keeping civilians informed
There were songs and movies produced with patriotic themes
Actors, singers and other entertainers travelled across the country to entertain troops
Social Changes in war
Immigration
Mass immigration of families from the inner cities to suburbs
Better QOL and stronger nuclear family
Migration led to rebirth of American religion - associated with suburban living
Less than 50% Americans belonged to specific church before onset WW2. 1950- decreased
War also caused labour shortages in agricultural industry as farmers enlisted in war
In agreement w Mexico, FDR created the BRACERO PROGRAM- allowed Mexican labourers temp to workers - farms
Between 1942-46, more than 4 billion bracoes came to US under this
Social changes in war
African Americans
Military was segregated
Blacks led by white officers
Some change came on the home front. Randolph presented Roosevelt with grievances regarding African American workers rights
Randolph planned a huge protest on Washington it demands not met
Fearing such a protest could undermine wartime unify —> Roosevelt executes executive order 8802
This banned discriminatory employment practices by federal agencies all unions engaging war related work
The availability of new jobs in US factories attract AA. AA migrated to major manufacturing areas in North and West. AA worked on gov wartime agencies and war industries
Political changes during war
Federal government
FDR massively increases the size and role and prestige of the federal government
However the federal government was small and Executive had a limited role compared to the legislative
To enact new deal- FDR had to create new structures and employ more people
When confronting massive issues, he deliberately kept info from the public and misled many
Due to war - tried to stand for 3rd and 4th term. 22 amendment limited this to 2
Political changes during Second World War
TVA and WPA and NRA
TVA WPA and NRA all saw federal gov regulation, labour relation and for first time, federal gov directly involved more than ever in supply of relief and event welfare
Political changes during war
TVA and CCC
Federal go travel across America worked with states initiating land reform
Expansion faced criticism by rich easterners who opposed labour and tax reforms. Some liked it
US united against him in his battle w Supreme Court
Political changes during war
Gold standard
EBA extended press power w setup of Federal Reserve system. The president also took US off gold
FDR inc the 6bof federal gov, changing the role between congress and White House
From 1930s president expected to give detailed legislative programmes to congress
Created anxiety despite Roosevelt and Taft also wanting compulsory retirement
Also 1924, La Follette had introduced measures to allow 2/3 congressional support to override Supreme Court decisions. There had been 100 court bill reform bills up to 1936
This should not diminish FDR’s hostility. FDR said he would ignore Supreme Court if they overturned gold standard reversal
Overall was FDR political changes in new deal successful
FDR’s closest Luke Pettergill denounces his Court packing
Ultimately FDR failed
Despite failure, the SSA and NLRA was not struck down
It badly damaged his reputation and oushas d southern dem and republicans closer together
In 1938, FDR talked about purging the conservative elements in congress and he targeted 5 congressmen and relations between congress worsened, leading to very little legislation from the president to congress
Political changes during war
How FDR was given more power
FDR set up the War production Board, the office of WAR mobilisation and the Office of price administration
Congress gave him the power to control conscription, raw materials, man power, rents, prices, rationing of consumer items
The Bureau of budget was reorganised and reported to president instead of treasury
Giving President these powers meant key debates only went on in White House
Much or war planning took place in the bite house, FDR streamlined the command structure and set up Joints Chief of Staff
He did this personally without congress
How was FDRs power reduced during war
Political changes
His proposal for the Economic Bill of Rights which would extend right to education jobs and welfare refused by congress
Congress also passed a tax bill over the presidential veto 1944
Why do people criticise FDR’s actions in war
Not making public aware of the limitations of American power in post war climate with discussions with Stalin over future of Eastern Europe
They accuse him of betraying Europe and only getting vague promises in attempt to keep situation fluid
What are the constitutional and political constraints which influence American presidents in the making of foreign policy
Needs approval of HOC and LORDS to declare war
No guarantee his party will have majority in houses of Congress
President cannot win the loyalty of his supporters by offering them jobs or threatening them with removal Members of Congress pay much more attention to views of their constituents than they do to presidential wishes
Why did Wilson decide to move from neutrality to intervention
Germany unrestricted u boat warfare
Zimmerman
3 American merchantmen were torpedoed, one w heavy loss of life
Democracy
Restore world order
Why did US play such an important part in Paris conference and why was it’s influence so short lived thereafter
But Wilson took no republicans w him to Paris
Wilson insisted on unqualified acceptance of Article X of Covenant of LON- required all members of League to respect and preserve as against external aggression
2 October Wilson stroke
Didn’t sign LON
1919-1920= Paris peace conference
When and why did the USA begin to abandon isolationism
Harding
Passed a restrictive Immigration Act 1924
Depression
How important was the attack on pearl harbour in bringing US into the war with Germany as well as Japan
Significantly
Led to amending neutrality acts - give arms to ally countries
