The United States has a long history of isolationism, dating back to the country's founding. The founding fathers were wary of entangling the United States in European conflicts, fearing that it would lead to the country being dragged into wars that did not directly concern it. This sentiment was reinforced by the American Revolution, which was fought in part to gain independence from Great Britain.
The Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823, was a further expression of American isolationism. The doctrine stated that the United States would not tolerate any further colonization or interference in the Americas by European powers. This policy was largely successful in keeping the United States out of European conflicts, although it did lead to the United States intervening in the Spanish-American War in 1898.
Neutrality
Another way the United States tried to stay out of European conflicts was through neutrality. The United States declared its neutrality in the First World War in 1914, and it did not enter the war until 1917, after Germany began unrestricted submarine warfare.
The United States also declared its neutrality in the Second World War in 1939, but it abandoned this policy after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Appeasement
In the years leading up to the Second World War, the United States pursued a policy of appeasement towards Germany. This policy involved making concessions to Germany in the hopes of avoiding war. However, this policy ultimately failed, as Germany continued to expand its territory and power in Europe.
The Cold War
After the Second World War, the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two superpowers of the world. The Cold War between these two countries lasted for nearly 50 years, and it was characterised by a series of proxy wars and other conflicts in which the United States and the Soviet Union supported opposing sides.
The Cold War ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then, the United States has been the world's only superpower, and it has continued to play a major role in international affairs.
Changing US Policy
In recent years, there has been a debate in the United States about whether the country should continue to pursue a policy of isolationism. Some argue that the United States should focus on its own domestic affairs and not get involved in foreign conflicts. Others argue that the United States has a responsibility to use its power to promote democracy and human rights around the world.
The US policy of isolationism has been successful in keeping the country out of many European conflicts, but it has also been criticised for being unrealistic. In the modern world, it is impossible for the United States to completely isolate itself from the rest of the world. The country has global interests, and it must be prepared to defend them.