the growth of isolation 1919-1922

USA reactions to ww1:

• rejected peace treaty
• refused to join the league
• attitude to foreigners

Government encouraged isolation:

• tariff policy
• Fordney McCumber act 1922
• immigration controls
• quota system 1921

Isolation and its effects:

• first ww1 started in 1914 and usa stayed neutral.
• regarded the war as a distant even and nothing to do with the usa.
• the democratic president woodrow wilson hated the idea of war.

Impact of ww1 on the US economy:

• US did well supplying food and weapons and so US trade increased.
• USA took the lead making dyes, fertilisers and plastics which increased exports to Europe by 300%
• US investors did well from the interest due to loans to Europe after the war they had the money to invest in the USA.
• 1920 America had turned its back upon Europe and for the next 20 years had nothing to do with it.

Policy of isolation:

not getting involved in the affairs of foreign countries, meant cutting back on immigrants ans not getting involved in European wars.

Why did the USA follow a policy of isolation:

• the effects of WW1
• trade policy
• the 'red scare' fear of communism
• fear of foreigners (taking their jobs)
• immigrants wanted a new life and to stay out of European affairs which they came to USA to get away from.

Why didnt america join the League?

at the end of ww1 Woodrow Wilson wanted to stay involved in international affairs. it was his idea to set up the League of Nations. however when the League was set up America refused to join for a number of reasons:

• USA suffered civilian casualties wanted to keep America out of European affairs because it hadn't been their war.
• joining might involve doing things that could set back the…