Download a copy of the lesson worksheet here before you begin!
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Warm-up for the brain: Based on prior learning, what position do you think the United States would take in the years leading to World War Two? Would the U.S. maintain an isolationist or interventionist position? Why?
Course Blog Discussion! How might U.S. foreign policy affect you, your friends, or your family in our world today? Respond on the Course Blog. Use the discussion thread and responses to gain insight from other students’ answers. Remember to respond to at least two other student responses. |
Familiarization. Take notes and answer questions on the following issues dealing with American foreign policy in the 1920's prior to World War Two.
Issue #1: The League of Nations
Click here to examine the relationship between President Woodrow Wilson and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. Answer the corresponding questions in your module worksheet.
Click here to learn about the League of Nations. Answer the corresponding questions in your module worksheet.
Click here to learn about the League of Nations. Answer the corresponding questions in your module worksheet.
Political Cartoons
Issue #2: The Washington Disarmament Conference
Click here to learn about the Washington Conference of 1921-22. Answer the corresponding questions on your module worksheet.
Issue #3: The Kellogg-Briand Pact
Click here to learn about the Kellogg-Briand Pact and answer the corresponding questions on your module worksheet.
Class discussion. Using the Course Blog, contribute to the following discussion point: “Which of the issues above had the greatest impact regarding American isolationism prior to World War Two?” Don't forget to come back and comment on at least two other student responses before the end of the lesson!
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Due to the United States not joining the League of Nations, the organization lost a key power as the U.S. was the only country to emerge stronger after WWI. There were conflicts between the League's members as well. Many were weak militarily after the war which meant that the League lacked "teeth" to enforce policies. The USSR and Germany were excluded from the League as well, leading to distrust and tension in the future.
The Washington Disarmament Conference resulted in multiple treaties which limited the building of new warships. However, when Japan sought equal terms with the U.S. and the U.K. (the U.S. and U.K. had been allowed more tonnage as they had interests in two oceans) and were refused, Japan left the treaty and built up its naval assets. This would help the Japanese later in their goal to expand their empire.
The Washington Disarmament Conference resulted in multiple treaties which limited the building of new warships. However, when Japan sought equal terms with the U.S. and the U.K. (the U.S. and U.K. had been allowed more tonnage as they had interests in two oceans) and were refused, Japan left the treaty and built up its naval assets. This would help the Japanese later in their goal to expand their empire.