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AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY THROUGH WORLD WAR 1
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American Foreign Policy Through World War 1
Introduction
American foreign policy underwent several transformations from the era of
Reconstruction up until the 1920s, changing the country’s role on the global stage. These
changes caused a shift in its approach towards international affairs, leading to an increased
assertiveness with regard to American imperialism. As such, some of the pivotal elements
that played a critical role in this transformation, World War 1 was an essential turning point.
Being a catalyst, American foreign policy shifted towards a more diversified approach
intended to increase its dominance during and after the war. Consequently, the evolving
nature of American foreign policy was emphasized by the impact of American imperialism
and the pivotal role played by the War in shaping its global engagement from the late 19th
century through the early 20th century.
The imperial development in the United States involves the various processes in
which the country expanded in various ways including in areas of its territorial, economic,
and political influence on a global scale. As such through activities such as the establishment
of naval bases and military outposts in strategic regions results in the exertion of significant
influence over the affairs of other nations. Therefore, these actions as explained above were
pursued by the United States both during its earlier history and into the 20th century.
Ultimately, this helped the country transitions from an isolated country to a superpower with
international reach.
Pre-World War 1
Firstly, the American Civil war caused extensive damage to the country both
internally and externally during the period between 1861-18651. As such, the country
engaged in a period of isolationism where reconstruction was the main agenda. In this period,
1
Grant, Susan-Mary. The War for a Nation: The American Civil War. United Kingdom: Taylor &
Francis, (2014).
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America focused on rebuilding the country domestically with little to no engagement in
European affairs. This was followed by a period of expansion where America expanded its
territory through the acquisition of Alaska and Hawaii that were considered strategic for the
country’s interests2. This therefore indicated its pursuit to increase it global reach as part of
its role in the global stage by increasing its market and resources.
In the late 19th Century, imperialism emerged in America majorly driven by its quest
to increase its presence globally and its increased economic interests. For instance, the
Spanish-American War provided an example of this approach through the continued push to
acquire new territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines3. This
interventionist foreign policy showed its drive for global dominance and influence after 1898.
Additionally, the Roosevelt Corollary introduced in 1904 asserted the country’s right to
intervene in any potential Latin American affairs4. This was done to ensure that America
could protect its interests in the region by maintaining stability whenever required. Such a
shift showed the assertiveness of Americas foreign policy with regard to issues emanating
from the western hemisphere.
Role of World War 1
World War one was considered crucial in the development of American imperialism
during the late 19th and 20th centuries. America’s entry into the war in 1917 was based on
Germany’s violation and failure to suspend submarine warfare in the North Atlantic. As such
President Woodrow Wilson request a declaration of war against Germany which was later
supported by the Senate and Congress5. Economic and strategic considerations were thus
2
Ray, James Lee. American Foreign Policy and Political Ambition. United States: SAGE Publications, (2013).
3
Library of Congress, World of 1898: International Perspectives on the Spanish American War, Library of
Congress, (2022).
4
Office of the Historian, Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, 1904.
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Woodrow Wilson, Woodrow Wilson's War Message, Digital History ID 1406. (1917).
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important during the declaration based on the strong ties with Allied Powers, including
Britain and France. With the economic relationships between these countries at risk, the
American supply of vast quantities of war materials, including munitions, food, and other
essential goods was put in jeopardy.
In line with this, America was able to expand its influence on global issues through its
economic activities. Several banks and industries seized the opportunity to increase the
production of the growing demand of weapons and products associated to the War for both
itself and the Allies6. Additionally, the country also become a major creditor to European
countries that borrowed substantial amounts of money to finance their war activities during
World War 1. This created a financial leverage that further catapulted it a position of
economic and strategic significance. In the long run, the American economy grew in strides
and propelled it into a global powerhouse, solidifying its status.
Post-World War 1
After the war, America was a significant player in the negotiations for a peace treaty
in 1918. President Woodrow Wilson developed a 14-point program that were considered as
the basis for world peace. In the proposal, President Wilson highlighted the causes of the
world war and possible solutions including reduction in armaments, freedom in the seas,
abolition of secret treaties and the adjustment in colonial claims7. Additionally, President
Wilson further proposed the development of a League of Nations that would provide some
system of collective security in the world. However, the proposal faced skepticism and
resistance both internally and externally. The principals as espoused by Wilson thus failed to
resonate with the American political landscape.
6
Ray, James Lee. American Foreign Policy and Political Ambition, (2013).
7
Woodrow Wilson, Fourteen Points, Digital History ID 1407, (1918).
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This coupled with the Senate’s refusal to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and join the
League of Nations further complicated the issue further. According to the Senate, there were
huge concerns on the capability of preserving American sovereignty and autonomy in foreign
affairs, rejected these international commitments8. This decision marked a significant setback
for Wilson's vision of active American involvement in global diplomacy. Ultimately, this
rejection represented a retreat from the international stage. Consequently, the United States
chose to prioritize domestic concerns, returning to a more isolationist stance in foreign
policy. This retreat from global diplomacy and international institutions marked a turning
point in American foreign policy, setting the stage for a period of relative detachment from
global affairs in the 1920s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, America experienced an evolution ranging between the Reconstruction
period and 1920 in its foreign policy. Through the years, the changes ranged from
isolationism, territorial expansion, imperialism, and international engagement. Consequently,
World War 1 was a pivotal point that contributed to the imperial development of America
through the economic benefits accrued from its expanding global reach. However, despite
gaining its position as a global super power, America retreated to its isolationism after the
War due to internal and external political issues on its future. Therefore, this multifaceted
transformation of American foreign policy set the stage for its future role in international
affairs, leaving a lasting imprint on its diplomatic and geopolitical identity.
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Thompson, John A. Woodrow Wilson. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, (2015).
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Notes
1. Grant, Susan-Mary. The War for a Nation: The American Civil War. United
Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, (2014).
2. Ray, James Lee. American Foreign Policy and Political Ambition. United
States: SAGE Publications, (2013).
3. Library of Congress, World of 1898: International Perspectives on the Spanish
American War, Library of Congress, (2022).
4. Office of the Historian, Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, 1904.
5. Woodrow Wilson, Woodrow Wilson's War Message, Digital History ID 1406. (1917).
6. Woodrow Wilson, Fourteen Points, Digital History ID 1407, (1918).
7.
Thompson, John A. Woodrow Wilson. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, (2015).