Isolationism

by Tom Streissguth, Lora Friedenthal, Jennifer L. Weber (Editor)

The roots of isolationism in the United States can be traced back to the American Revolution. As a young nation, the United States limited its involvement in world affairs, focusing mostly on trade issues. Only when America's vital interests were threatened did the United States react with military force. In the 19th century, it was possible to isolate the country from trouble abroad. The presence of two vast oceans and friendly countries to the north and south protected the United States from invasion. As the United States grew to superpower status after World War II, however, its interests expanded around the world, as did the allies and resources it had to protect. Although the ideal of a self-sufficient country remains, very few political leaders believe in isolationism, as this new title explains.

118 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Tom Streissguth holds a B.A. from Yale University. He has written more than 40 books of history and biography.

Reviews

[Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been doing some reading in the topic of American history and this particular title on the subject on Isolationism is compact and informative. It focuses on events, treaties, and the people related to this topic. It's part of a series of titles under the heading "Key Concepts in American History." I may read some of the other ones also.