US after the War

1. US after the War Standard 5.5 E.Q. What did the US do to the US?

2. Americans established themselves • Thought America rejected collective security and international ideals, it had not rejected involvement with the rest of the world. • The US became the world’s leading economic power • Leading exporter of goods • Major creditor nation • World’s financial capital.

3. US after the War • US never joined the League, but did send observers to meeting of the League of Nations. • Participated actively in several international conferences to limit the size of the world’s navies. • Also helped to make it possible for the Germans to continue to pay the war reparations through a loan program.

4. US in the future with international issues • US took a hands – off approach to events in Europe as dictators rose to power in Italy and Germany in the 1920’s and 1930’s. • The War strengthened our military and the power of our government. • Social changes were accelerated, especially for blacks and women.

5. US in the future with international issues • Many countries became politically instable and violence persisted for decades. • After the crash of 1929 signaled the start of the Great Depression, Americans were too concerned with their domestic economic problems to take much heed of the gathering storm in Europe.

6. US in the future with international issues • A congressional hearing early in the 1930’s testimony about how the US became involved in the Great War led the Congress to pass legislation to attempt to keep the US out of any future war. • The resulting Neutrality Acts would tie the hands of President Roosevelt and delay American involvement in World War II.