Description

American isolationism was the foreign policy idea that the United States should avoid permanent alliances, political conflicts, and wars involving other nations—especially in Europe. Isolationism did not mean complete separation from the world; the United States still traded internationally and expanded economically. Instead, it meant avoiding deep political and military involvement overseas. The roots of isolationism began with George Washington in his Farewell Address and remained the policy of the US throughout the 19^th century.   Although the United States entered World War I in 1917 many Americans objected to our involvement.  The U.S. Senate refused to join the League of Nations; a decision that reflected a return to isolationist thinking.  The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, ended major isolationist sentiment.  The United States entered World War II and afterward became a leading global superpower.  During most of the 20^th and 21^st centuries the US has been continuously at war.