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How Did Local Politics Become Global? |
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Isolated by 3,000 miles of Ocean on either coast, the United States entered the 20th century in a stage of substantial growth on the legs of the Industrial Revolution, and significant social and political upheaval following the Civil War and Reconstruction. While history and proximity forced European nations to be intimately involved with one another, the United States had been able to remain apart from many of the local entanglements of European politics. While understanding the causes and instigations of World War I is important, it is also worth noting the special issues and circumstances which guided US policy and led the US to become involved. Use the links below and other resources to answer the following questions. What were some important national issues in the US at the start of War in Europe? Did pre-war policies impact the US after World War I ended? Why did the US finally decide to enter the War? What relationships did the US have with European nations at the start of World War I? How did US policy on the American continent compare and contrast with foreign policy in Europe and Asia? Finally, take the opportunity to put together the answers to all of these questions and write 3 to 5 paragraphs describing your thoughts on American foreign policy and local politics in leading up to US entry into World War I. Compare the process to the policy and politics at another time before or after World War I and detail your opinion of how the government should have behaved in either or both instances. |