Changes in power and policy

After narrowly escaping the Great Depression, the first half of the 20th century was primarily devoted to solving the domestic problems at home. Racism continued to be a constant struggle throughout the country with African, Asian, and Mexican Americans. These tensions were apparent on not only a social level, but on political and business levels as well. The economy was finally starting to surge again after the Great Depression, and so American politicians were doing everything they could to keep the peace with other countries. When World War II broke out in Europe, the Neutrality Acts of the 30’s were efforts to keep America distant from the war, but it became more and more apparent that they would have to be a little bit more assertive. Then came the Atlantic Charter, which was the first sign that FDR’s foreign policy was beginning to shift. Previous to World War II the United States had a very independent foreign policy, but during and after the war, it began to shift to a more power hungry, aggressive stance.

With other emerging foreign super powers like the Soviet Union, the United States was forced to abandon their isolationist policies and become a more dominant force abroad. During WW2, FDR proposed the idea for the Allies to come together in an organization called the United Nations. FDR knew that he could no longer stay disassociated with the problems that the rest of the world was facing and he thought this would be a great way to get involved. The UN would not only bond the Allies, but also be a key tool in imposing a greater US influence among the rest of the world. The Yalta Conference also signified a change in the way the United States’ foreign affairs were being handled. At Yalta, the Allies met to discuss their goals once the war was over, the most prominent being the Soviet Union’s goal to expand their influence over the continent. FDR realizing this possible threat made it a large priority to not only limit this Soviet influence, but to expand America’s as well.

Communist threats and national security became a huge focus in this new foreign policy. First in order to enable the government the power they needed to take control of the Communist situation, they greatly needed the support of the American public, and they gained this through the Truman Doctrine. In this, President Truman alerted the nation of the great threats that Communism posed, therefore scaring American’s and gaining the support in congress that he needed. The National Security Act became one of the primary ways to implement this new plan to demolish Communism and protect America. National security organizations such as the CIA and the NSA became much more actively involved in foreign affairs, and assisted the president in protecting the county. This new connection between the White House and these two security powers greatly expanded the president’s authority over foreign policies not to mention the United States’ power in the world.

With all of these new tactics and policies, America was able to gain the power that wanted to achieve. They were certainly a dominant foreign presence and they took advantage of this position. Unfortunately they took their power a little too far and this overly aggressive attitude resulted in the Vietnam War. Finding a balance in politics is a never-ending battle and sometimes the scale tips toward the side that does more damage then is intended. All in all, the US’s foreign policy greatly evolved from one of very isolationist status, to a great world power, and through the good times and bad, it has allowed us to be the strong nation that we live in today.