Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge, the 29th and 30th Presidents of the United States, respectively, both played significant roles in shaping American foreign policy during the 1920s. Their policies emphasized economic recovery and stability in the aftermath of World War I, while also seeking to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts. Here's a brief overview of their foreign policy approaches:
Warren G. Harding's Foreign Policy (1921-1923):
1. Return to Normalcy: Harding's foreign policy was guided by the desire to return the United States to a state of normalcy after the disruptions caused by World War I. He aimed to reduce the US's involvement in international affairs and focus on domestic economic recovery.
2. Isolationism and Non-Intervention: Harding promoted an isolationist approach to foreign policy, seeking to avoid entanglements in European affairs and conflicts. He believed that the US should focus on its domestic affairs and limit its international commitments.
3. Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922): Harding convened the Washington Naval Conference to address naval arms limitation and prevent a future naval arms race among the major powers. The conference resulted in the Five-Power Treaty, which set limits on the tonnage and number of battleships for the US, Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy.
4. Dawes Plan (1924): Harding supported the Dawes Plan, which sought to address Germany's reparations payments to the Allied Powers and stabilize the German economy. The plan helped improve economic conditions in Germany and paved the way for further international cooperation.
Calvin Coolidge's Foreign Policy (1923-1929):
1. Continuation of Isolationism: Coolidge continued Harding's policy of isolationism, avoiding direct involvement in international disputes and focusing on domestic affairs. He was hesitant to join international organizations or make significant commitments overseas.
2. Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928): Coolidge played a role in negotiating the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war as an instrument of national policy. The pact was signed by most of the world's major powers, but it lacked any enforcement mechanisms and proved ineffective in preventing future conflicts.
3. Latin America and the Monroe Doctrine: Coolidge upheld the Monroe Doctrine, which declared the Western Hemisphere as an American sphere of influence. He intervened in Latin American countries, such as Nicaragua, to protect American interests and maintain stability in the region.
4. Tacna-Arica Dispute Resolution: Coolidge helped mediate a territorial dispute between Chile and Peru, resulting in the Treaty of Lima in 1929. The treaty resolved the long-standing conflict over the provinces of Tacna and Arica.
Overall, Harding and Coolidge's foreign policy was marked by a focus on economic stability, isolationism, and a general desire to avoid foreign entanglements. Their approach aimed to promote peace, reduce the risk of future wars, and allow the US to focus on its domestic priorities during the interwar period.