The American Pageant Chapter 34: The Shadow of War

Totalitarian Governments Fascism- A political philosophy that advocates a strong, centralized, nationalistic government headed by a powerful dictator (ITALY and SPAIN) Nazism- the political philosophy- based on extreme nationalism, racism, and militaristic expansionism- that Adolf Hitler put into practice in Germany from 1933 to (GERMANY) Communism- one-party government and state ownership of property. (SOVIET UNION)

London Economic Conference: FDR proves that foreign policy is a secondary concern for his administration compared to economic recovery at home. An international agreement to stabilize the currency would mean that FDR couldn’t use many of the inflationary policies that were part of the New Deal FDR essentially pulls the American delegation from the conference, destroying any chance for a worldwide response to the Great Depression and weakening the possibility of international cooperation against future threats.

FDR’s Foreign Policy Formal recognition of Soviet Union in 1933 Good Neighbor Policy –Actions seemed to show FDR’s desire to be a regional, rather than a world, power –Desire for a unified Western Hemisphere against potential threats –U.S. withdrawal from Haiti, relaxing of the Platt Amendment in Cuba –Test of the policy in Mexico proved FDR was willing to even hurt American investments to foster goodwill between Latin American countries and the U.S.

Isolationism Gerald Nye’s Senate Committee –Investigated evidence regarding U.S. entry into World War I. –Said it was not German submarines, but actually a plot by American bankers and arms manufacturers that got us into WWI. –Led to isolationist sentiment and the fear of a large standing army.

Isolationism: neutrality legislation Neutrality acts of 1935, 1936, 1937 –When the President proclaims the existence of a foreign war, restrictions automatically go into effect. –No American can sail on a belligerent ship or sell of transport munitions to a belligerent or make loans to a belligerent. –SPECIFICALLY to keep us out of a conflict like World War I. –Third Neutrality Act bans arms sales and loans to nations involved in civil wars.