Memories of World War I: The traumatic experiences of World War I, which claimed millions of lives and inflicted substantial economic damage, left Americans wary of foreign entanglements and military conflicts. Isolationism emerged as a reaction against the costs of war and a desire to avoid similar devastations in the future.
Disillusionment with the League of Nations: The League of Nations, established after World War I to promote international peace and cooperation, failed to effectively prevent conflicts. This disappointment undermined American confidence in the ability of international organizations to resolve disputes and maintain world peace.
Desire for National Focus: Isolationists argued that the United States should prioritize domestic issues and economic development rather than intervening in foreign affairs. They believed that America had sufficient resources and internal challenges to address without getting involved in overseas conflicts.
Rise of Pacifism: A significant portion of the American population held pacifist beliefs, opposing war as a means of resolving conflicts. Pacifists advocated for nonviolent alternatives, diplomatic negotiations, and moral influence as preferable approaches to international relations.
Suspicions of Imperialism: Isolationists viewed European powers and Japan as imperialist nations competing for colonies and exploiting other countries for their resources. They feared that American involvement in international conflicts could lead to entanglements with these imperialist powers and compromise the country's sovereignty and independence.
Anti-Interventionalist Sentiment: Many Americans held a deep-rooted tradition of anti-interventionism, tracing back to the nation's founding principles. They believed that the United States should avoid foreign interventions and remain detached from disputes between other countries to preserve its own autonomy and avoid unnecessary risks.