Post-War Disillusionment: The United States entered World War I with the idealistic goal of making the world "safe for democracy." However, the war's devastating human and economic costs left many Americans disillusioned. They felt that the war had not achieved its intended goals and that the United States had sacrificed too much without gaining tangible benefits.
Opposition to International Entanglements: The war highlighted the dangers of becoming entangled in international conflicts and alliances. Many Americans believed that the country should focus on its domestic affairs and avoid becoming embroiled in foreign wars. They were wary of commitments that could lead to future military interventions.
Rejection of the Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, was widely unpopular in the United States. Many Americans felt that the treaty was too harsh on Germany and could potentially lead to future conflicts. The rejection of the treaty by the U.S. Senate further reinforced isolationist sentiments.
Economic Isolationism: The United States emerged from World War I as a major economic power, and some Americans believed that the country could best maintain its economic prosperity by isolating itself from global economic entanglements. They advocated for high tariffs and restrictions on immigration to protect American industries and jobs.
Anti-War Sentiments: The horrors of trench warfare and the high casualty rates during World War I left a deep imprint on the American psyche. Many people were determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past and opposed any involvement in future wars. Pacifist and anti-war movements gained traction during this period.
Rise of Nationalism: The post-war period saw a resurgence of nationalism in the United States. Americans were eager to assert the country's independence and strength and were wary of foreign influence or entanglements that might compromise national sovereignty.
Isolationist sentiments culminated in the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s, which aimed to prevent the United States from becoming embroiled in future conflicts. These policies reflected a strong desire among many Americans to avoid involvement in international affairs and focus on domestic concerns.