Why Did America Embrace Domestic Isolation And Social Conservatism In The 1920S?

The shift towards domestic isolationism in the United States during the 1930s can be attributed to a confluence of factors, primarily the profound impact of the Great Depression and the lingering memories of significant losses endured during World War I. These circumstances significantly influenced American public sentiment and government policies, propelling the nation towards an isolationist stance. Advocates of isolationism during this period staunchly promoted the idea of avoiding entanglement in both European and Asian conflicts, as well as steering clear of involvement in complex international political affairs. This desire to prioritize national self-sufficiency and avoid overseas entanglements ultimately shaped a pivotal chapter in American history during the early 20th century.

What factors contributed to the United States adopting a more conservative stance during the 1920s? This shift towards conservatism was predominantly observed in the realm of national politics. One illustrative instance of this transition occurred when President Woodrow Wilson passed away. Following Wilson’s progressive policies, the Democratic Party nominated James M. Cox as their presidential candidate in an effort to maintain the momentum of progressivism. To better understand this conservative turn, we need to delve into the broader societal and political factors that played a role in shaping this era.

Despite its isolationist stance in the 1920s, the United States government actively engaged in international financial matters and played a significant role in determining the allocation of war reparations. This involvement was evident during the Washington Naval Conference held from 1921 to 1922. The primary objective of this conference was to mitigate the escalating naval arms race among major powers, including the United States, Britain, Japan, Italy, and France. Despite its reluctance to become deeply entangled in global affairs, the United States recognized the importance of addressing international issues like arms control and reparations, demonstrating its willingness to collaborate on critical matters despite its overall isolationist tendencies during that era.