in the years between 1920 and 1940 American foreign policy was forced to shift

from an isolationist philosophy to complete involvement in foreign conflicts.

Isolationism was
The isolationist policy of America became apparent when congress decide to
not ratify the covenant of the league of nations. The main reason is due to concern
over article x of the bill which stated that if another member of the League of
Nations was attacked the US would have to provide assistance. Wilsons avocation
of the league was highly opposed by future president warren Harding who called for
complete rejection of the bill (Doc A) and shared the view of the majority of
Americans. The American people had an anti-war outlook established by the
outcomes of World War 1 and the communist and socialist movement occurring in
European countries. Due to the nationalist views gained during WW1 legislation
limiting immigration was passed the first being the quota act of 1921 which limited
immigration to 3 percent of the nations immigrants from 1910. Another quota act
passed in 1924 limited it to 2 percent and set the reference year at 1890 which
drastically reduced the amount of accepted immigrants from eastern and southern
European nations. 5 years later the quota was again changed by the quota act of
1929 which set the base year to 1920 but limited the total immigrants to 150
thousand.
The united stated did not deviate from their isolationist policies until the
severity of the situation in Europe heightened to the point that America feared war.
In 1933 Roosevelt declared the good neighbor policy in an effort to gain trust and
allies in Latin American countries. The policy stated that America would make trade
agreements with Latin American countries along with removing the US marines that
were stationed in Haiti and Nicaragua. This trend of mending relations continued
with the first two neutrality acts of the 1930s. In succession of the good neighbor
policy the neutrality act of 1935 placed an embargo on the sale of all war goods to
nations at war. It also stated Americans traveling warring countries ships did so at
their own risk. This act was set to expire after six months but was renewed in 11936
for an additional 14 months.
The next two neutrality acts despite their name involved America in the war.
The neutrality act of 1937 stated that the US government would sell war supplies to
warring countries. this cash and carry policy was perceived as assisting the enemy
by Germany. In 1939 however a neutrality act was passed that allowed the lease of
war supplies to great Britain and France. Furthermore it repealed the neutrality acts
of 1935 and 1937. This clearly stated Americas stance in the war.