Question

How did US foreign and domestic policies change during World War II?

Answer 1

Hint: After the devastating strain on the US and the world economy after World War I, the US was adamant on its decision of not being a participant in World War II. It did supply weapons to the Allies but it was done as a part of any other trade deal. These policies, however, drastically changed after the Pearl Harbour attack and USA’s forced entry into the war.

Complete answer: The USA entered World War II in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbour by Japan. Until before that, it has practiced the policy of isolationism and interventionism. This was a protectionist approach towards the people of the country and gave the economy a chance to develop in the domestic market itself.

Drawing from the same, the foreign feat of the US before entering the war remained only regarding the trade and supply of weapons technology for the Allied forces in Europe fighting the war. Many of the US U-boats had caused devastation to the German fleets and thus, Hitler took the decision of declaring war on the US, even though he was aware that it was a big stake.

The public opinion in the US till the attack on Pearl Harbour has been detached from the war and majority Americans were against partaking in it. However, after the attack, the anger and frustration of the people caused by the loss of the beloved made them support the government of Roosevelt to retaliate and actively become a part of the war. Rationing of food and other essential supplies mark the increase of activity on the war front in the foreign domain from the US.

Note: World War II came to an end after the US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan. These were dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two bombs were called the ‘little boy’ and the ‘fat man’. This has caused horrifying effects for the people of Japan for generations and stands as a testament to the devastating effects of war.