Question

Use the information from the themes of wars (WW1, WW2, and Cold War Units) to discuss how American foreign policy evolved through the 20the century (aka 1900s), especially due to the Cold War after WW2

Answer 1

American foreign policy in the 20th century evolved from isolationism to global engagement, with the Cold War era marked by the containment of communism, alliances like NATO, and a 'world policeman' role. This shift also influenced domestic and global socio-economic dynamics and involved conflicts such as the Vietnam War.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evolution of American foreign policy through the 20th century, particularly during the Cold War, reflects a shift in America's role on the global stage. Initially focused on isolationism with interventions primarily in the Western Hemisphere, U.S. foreign policy expanded dramatically after World War II. The key objectives included containment of communism, establishment of international organizations like the United Nations, and participation in numerous strategic alliances such as NATO.

During the Cold War, the Truman Doctrine articulated the policy of containment, designed to prevent the spread of communism globally, which led to U.S. involvement in conflicts around the world, including Korea and Vietnam. Simultaneously, the United States competed with the Soviet Union for political influence and access to natural resources in newly independent countries emerging from colonial rule. This period also saw significant changes, with the U.S. taking an active 'policeman' role while supporting the burgeoning global middle class, yet also facing domestic and international challenges including the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Answer 2

The First World War (WWI) was fought from 1914 to 1918 and the Second World War (or WWII) was fought from 1939 to 1945. They were the largest military conflicts in human history. Both wars involved military alliances between different groups of countries.

World War I (a.k.a the First World War, the Great War, the War To End All Wars) was centered on Europe. The world warring nations were divided into two groups namely ‘The Central Powers’ and ‘The Allied Powers’. The central powers group consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria. The Allied powers group consisted of France, Britain, Russia, Italy, Japan, and (from 1917) the U.S.

World War II (a.k.a the Second World War), the opposing alliances are now referred to as ‘The Axis’ and ‘The Allies’. The Axis group consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan. The Allies group consisted of France, Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, and China. World War II was especially heinous because of the genocide of Jewish people perpetrated by the Nazis.