What factors account for the rise of American isolationism between the wars? How did neutrality legislation work to the advantage of aggressive dictators?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. The Depression made foreign policy seem remote and unimportant.
2. As the danger of war abroad became more apparent, it only strengthened the desire of many Americans to stay out of it.
3. Isolationist and pacifist sentiment were reflected in the Nye Committee hearings.
4. The neutrality acts of 1935, 1936, and 1937 were meant to keep the United States out of war.
5. The neutrality legislation played directly into Hitler’s hands, allowing him to proceed with his plans for the conquest of Europe without worrying about American interference.
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