Isolationism vs Internationalism

A Nation in Crisis

Growing Pains Era

Gilded Expansion

U.S. History Living Timeline

Isolationism vs Internationalism

End of Isolationism

Rise a Superpower

The Interwar Years

Growing Pains 1801 - 1848

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Where Isolationism Originated

Manifest Destiny

Driven by a surge of Nationalism, many Americans during this time believed we were "destined" to control the North American continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Past International Entanglments

Manifest Destiny was fueled by isolationism, we didn't want to worry about any rival European powers threatening our boarders.

The Mexican American War 1846-1848

The Oregon Trail 1845 - 1846

War was not the only tactic used by the Americans to accomplish Manifest Destiny. When it came to the Oregon Trail, we were able to acquire this area from the British by simply outnumbering them. By 1845 nearly 7 Americans were living in Oregon Territory for every 1 British settler.

Mexican-American War 1846-1848

The American Military Comes of Age

Outside of our two clashes with Britain, battles with Native Americans, and some squabbles with the Pirate Lords of Barbary, the U.S. Army has had very little experience fighting foreign armies. Our first major offensive against any foreign power comes with our pursuit of Manifest Destiny and seeking to remove any foreign threats to what Americans see as rightfully theirs. The main goal of the Mexican-American war and the subsequent effects of it are to further isolate America from foreign distractions and threats.

The Louisiana Purchase

Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. While this did involve international negotiation, it helped solidify American Isolationism by removing a European Country's claim to land in North America.

The War of 1812

America's Second War for Independence

Britain was violating America's Neutrality, Independence, and Security. They were impressing our sailors, seizing our ships, arming our enemies, and occupying our lands. Our efforts to stay out of the conflicts and politics of Europe were of little use if we could not defend our people and commerce. America was forced into a second war with Britain. This war led to one of the best examples of American Isolationism in the Creation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Protective Tariffs

A tariff is a tax on imported goods. Tariffs are usually used to safeguard domestic production.

• President Monroe's Tariff of 1816: helped protect American production from cheaper British goods flooding the market after the War of 1812.
• Under Jackson, Congress passed the "Tariff of Abominations" in 1828. Protecting Northern production, but hurting poor farmers by raising prices on otherwise cheaper European goods.

(I'm sure this growing rift between the regions of the country will work itself out just fine.)

American Prestige Rises

Jefferson was able to raise the prestige of the American nation through his actions against the Tripoli Pirates and the formation of the American Navy.

• XYZ Affair
• War of 1812

Washington on Neutrality

Our first President set the tone for neutrality and isolationism.

• His farellwell address
• Proclamation of Neutrality 1793