U.S. Isolationism and Foreign Policies Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is isolationism?

A policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations (correct)

A strategy for military alliances

A policy of engagement in international affairs

An agreement between nations

Who was Charles Evans Hughes?

President Harding's Secretary of State

What was the Washington Conference?

A conference in 1921 where delegates agreed to limit production of warships and respect China's independence

What was the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

An agreement that renounced aggressive war except in matters of self-defense Signup and view all the answers

Who was Charles Dawes?

Head of the Bureau of the Budget who eliminated debt and turned the government's budget deficit into a surplus Signup and view all the answers

What was the Fordney-McCumber Act?

An act that increased tariffs, making it hard for France and Britain to pay back WW1 debts Signup and view all the answers

What was the fascist party?

An Italian political party created by Benito Mussolini Signup and view all the answers

What was the National Socialist Party (Nazi)?

A right-wing authoritarian nationalist government formed in Munich advocating for racist ideology Signup and view all the answers

Who was Henry Stimson?

Secretary of War during World War II Signup and view all the answers

What is internationalism?

A political movement advocating greater economic and political cooperation among nations Signup and view all the answers

What is nationalism?

A strong feeling of pride in and devotion to one's country Signup and view all the answers

What was the Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act?

A 1934 Act designed to raise American exports and reverse high-tariff policies Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Good Neighbor Policy'?

Franklin Roosevelt's foreign policy toward Latin America Signup and view all the answers

What was the Soviet-American Alliance?

An alliance formed during WWII focusing on trade and resource exchange Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gerald Nye?

Instigator of the 1934 Senate hearings investigating World War I munitions manufacturers Signup and view all the answers

What is the World Court?

A court established to settle disputes between members of the United Nations Signup and view all the answers

What were the Neutrality Acts (1936-1937)?

Laws that restricted American involvement in conflicts abroad Signup and view all the answers

What was the Cash and Carry Policy?

A 1939 law allowing nations at war to purchase goods from the U.S. if paid in cash and transported on their own ships Signup and view all the answers

What does 'axis' refer to in World War II?

The alliance of Germany and Italy, later including Japan Signup and view all the answers

What does 'quarantine' mean in a historical context?

Isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Isolationism and International Policies

Isolationism refers to a policy of nonparticipation in international economic and political relations.
The Washington Conference (1921) aimed to limit naval arms among the U.S., Britain, and Japan while ensuring respect for China's independence.
The Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) was an agreement among major nations to renounce aggressive war, using it only for self-defense.

Key Figures in U.S. Foreign Policy

Charles Evans Hughes, Secretary of State under President Harding, advocated for naval parity among the U.S., Britain, and Japan with a ratio of 5:5:3 in battleships.
Charles Dawes served as head of the Bureau of the Budget, transforming a budget deficit into a surplus by cutting spending.
Henry Stimson, Secretary of War during WWII, oversaw military training and logistics, including the development and deployment of the atomic bomb.

Political and Economic Developments

The Fordney-McCumber Act raised tariffs, affecting European nations' ability to repay WWI debts and shielded U.S. industry from foreign competition.
The Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act of 1934 reversed high tariffs to stimulate American exports during the Great Depression.
Franklin Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor Policy" fostered goodwill in Latin America, emphasizing cooperation and assistance.

International Relations and WWII

The Soviet-American Alliance formed during WWII emphasized economic cooperation while maintaining isolationist political stances.
The Neutrality Acts (1936-1937) restricted American involvement in foreign conflicts by prohibiting shipments of weapons and extending credit to belligerents.
The Cash and Carry Policy (1939) permitted warring nations to purchase U.S. goods as long as they paid cash and transported the items themselves, benefiting the Allies.

Fascism and Authoritarianism

The Fascist Party, established by Benito Mussolini, promoted aggressive nationalism and created a dictatorship in Italy from 1922 to 1943.
The National Socialist Party (Nazi Party) emerged post-WWI, advocating for a totalitarian regime under Adolf Hitler, which led to Germany's rearmament and the onset of WWII.

Legal and Judicial Framework

The World Court was established to resolve disputes between United Nations member nations.
Gerald Nye led Senate hearings (1934) criticizing World War I munitions manufacturers as "merchants of death," influencing public sentiment against military involvement.

Other Significant Terms

The "Axis" refers to the military alliance formed by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II.
"Quarantine" denotes measures taken to isolate populations, places, or vessels to prevent the spread of disease or conflict.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on U.S. isolationism and international policies from the early 20th century. Explore key agreements like the Kellogg-Briand Pact and important figures such as Charles Evans Hughes and Henry Stimson. This quiz will challenge your understanding of political and economic developments during this period.