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America's Isolationism In The United States

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Isolationism refers to “a national policy of abstaining from political or economic relations with other countries” (The American Heritage Dictionary). In America’s case, isolationism refers to our long-lasting reluctance to be involved in European alliances and wars. America’s isolationist ways date back to the early nineteenth century when John Adams warned congress about involvement in European affairs by stating “Our business with them, and theirs with us,” he wrote, “is commerce, not politics, much less war” (Tindall, 894). Europe was viewed as “old world” and had many problems. Americans did not want to engage in Europe’s power struggles or military conflicts, so we isolated ourselves. Foreign relations were not as important to our country, as our own were in America such as: western settlement, domestic policies, and industrial development. …show more content…

After the Civil War, American industry changed significantly. Machines replaced hand labor, which increased manufacturing. Railroads were used nationwide to transport goods across the country, and investors and bankers funded businesses. The period of Industrialization sparked economic growth and strength as a country, and pushed for new reform movements. As population strengthened in numbers, so did our military, making America a great power (Spark Notes Editor). America then wanted to expand by acquiring an empire overseas, which meant more consumers, and a bigger supply of cheap raw materials and resources. This was the historical moment in time when America steered away from its isolate tendencies and wanted to play a major role in foreign affairs

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