Compare and
contrast President Wilson's and FDR's reasons for neutrality prior to American
involvement in the First and Second World.
Woodrow Wilson was determined to keep
America out of the war. From his belief, he was of the opinion of the aftermath
of the war; depression, economic challenges and suffering. However, his theory
did not hold for long as Germany resumed the submarine warfare in 1917. At the
time, America had realized its influence to the world and this gave it economic
power. The country was able to provide food and ammunition which were supplied
to the soldiers on the fronts of France. However, the country realized the
mistake it had made due to involvement in the war. This resulted in an effort
of disarmament to the countries as well as signing of several treaties that
barred the countries from engaging in war. Among these treaties were the treaty
of Versailles and the Kellog-Briad Pact. However, things started falling apart
during the 1930s economic crisis. Nations did not honor treaty as conquering
continued such as Japan acquisition of Manchurian Island and the conquering of
Ethiopia by Britain. At this time, FDR kept an eye on the events that were
unfolding in Europe and Asia and the behavior of several nations such as Italy,
Germany and Japan. To suppress the growing popularity of Japan, Franklin
Roosevelt resulted into supporting China without success.
During this period, America tried its
best to be left-out in the conflicts that were boiling around the world. The
reason was for America’s neutral ground was to avoid making its country a
battlefield due to the effects that follow. Unlike Wilson, FDR was convinced
that the challenges facing America were homegrown and could be resolved
internally without involving the international community. He respected the
foreign policy but after the attack on pearl Harbor by the Japanese, the
country could no longer remain neutral. Both leaders have a proactive character
of response after attack.
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