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Article: Isolationism
- Article from:
- Dictionary of American History
- Author:
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ISOLATIONISM
ISOLATIONISM
was the dominant ideology guiding American foreign policy from the era of the founders until the end of World War II. Its central tenet was that the United States should take advantage of its geographic distance from Europe and refrain from intervention in Old World affairs. Supporters of isolationism also thought America was better off pursuing its interests in other parts of the world without participating in alliances or foreign wars. Isolationists thought the best way to secure democracy and prosperity was to build it at home.
Although isolationist assumptions were widely accepted for over 150 years, the terms "isolationism" and "isolationist" were ...