Unit 8 Foreign Policy in Action Foreign Policy

Unit #8 Foreign Policy in Action

Foreign Policy Through World War II • American foreign policy has changed over time and will continue to change in response to international events and the actions of other nations.

Isolationism • At times we have followed isolationism---a foreign policy that seeks to limit our relations with other countries as much as possible. • During other periods, the US has tried to meet its goals by taking an active part in affairs around the world.

Neutrality • President George Washington believed that the young country could not afford to take part in European alliances and wars. • He chose a position of neutrality—a policy of not taking sides in wars between other countries.

United Nations • After the war, Wilson helped found the League of Nations, a new organization intended to help keep peace. • However, the League of Nations failed to keep peace; and within 20 years, the world was at war again. • When the war ended, the US helped to found the United Nations.

The Cold War • After WWII, American leaders saw that our own national security went hand -in-hand with global security. • Many Americans thought that the Soviet Union and the spread of communism were the main dangers to peace.

• When Soviet-backed Communists tried to take over Greece and Turkey, President Harry Truman sent American military aid to help those countries defend themselves. • Truman’s action was the beginning of a new foreign policy of containment—a policy of using military power and money to prevent the spread of communism.

Detente • By the mid 1960’s, it was clear that the Soviet Union was gaining nuclear strength nearly equal to that of the US. • In the 1970’s, there was a period of détente—a loosening of tensions between the US and the Soviet Union.

Today’s Challenges • Economic Challenges—American leaders have had to make foreign policies that fit the issues and needs of different regions in the world. • Balance trade • The European Union (EU) is breaking down trade barriers between its member nations. • Middle East—oil rich countries—our foreign policy will be greatly affected by our need for oil.

Terrorism • The US emerged from the Cold War as the world’s strongest economic and military power. • The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D. C. on September 11, 2001, created a determination to work with allies throughout the world to halt future attacks and stop the flow of money to terrorist organizations.