WWII Post War Neutrality DBQ
2012 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Directions: The following question requires you to construct a coherent essay that integrates your interpretation of Documents A-G and your knowledge of the period referred to in the question. High scores will be earned only by essays that both cite key pieces of evidence from the documents and draw on outside knowledge of the period.
1. “From 1933-1941, America was an isolationist country and did not want to be entangled in foreign affairs.” Address the validity of this statement. To what extent is this statement true? Be sure to include political, economic, and social changes during this time.
Document A
Source: Carrey Orr, “The Only Way We Can Save Her,” 1939
UNITED STATES HISTORY
Directions: The following question requires you to construct a coherent essay that integrates your interpretation of Documents A-G and your knowledge of the period referred to in the question. High scores will be earned only by essays that both cite key pieces of evidence from the documents and draw on outside knowledge of the period.
1. “From 1933-1941, America was an isolationist country and did not want to be entangled in foreign affairs.” Address the validity of this statement. To what extent is this statement true? Be sure to include political, economic, and social changes during this time.
Document A
Source: Carrey Orr, “The Only Way We Can Save Her,” 1939
Document B
Source: Max Gordon, Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, 1941
Source: Max Gordon, Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, 1941
Document C
Source: Neutrality Act of 1935
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That upon the outbreak or during the progress of war between, or among, two or more foreign states, the President shall proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter be unlawful to export arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any place in the United States, or possessions of the United States, to any port of such belligerent states, or to any neutral port for transshipment to, or for the use of, a belligerent country…The President, by proclamation, shall definitely enumerate the arms, ammunition, or implements of war, the export of which is prohibited by this Act… The President may, from time to time, by proclamation, extend such embargo upon the export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war to other states as and when they may become involved in such war.”
Source: Neutrality Act of 1935
“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That upon the outbreak or during the progress of war between, or among, two or more foreign states, the President shall proclaim such fact, and it shall thereafter be unlawful to export arms, ammunition, or implements of war from any place in the United States, or possessions of the United States, to any port of such belligerent states, or to any neutral port for transshipment to, or for the use of, a belligerent country…The President, by proclamation, shall definitely enumerate the arms, ammunition, or implements of war, the export of which is prohibited by this Act… The President may, from time to time, by proclamation, extend such embargo upon the export of arms, ammunition, or implements of war to other states as and when they may become involved in such war.”
Document D
Source: Hadley Cantril, ed. Public Opinion, 1935-1946
Source: Hadley Cantril, ed. Public Opinion, 1935-1946
public_opinion.doc | |
File Size: | 80 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Document E
Source: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, “Quarantine Speech,” Delivered at Miller Center, October 5, 1937
“There is a solidarity and interdependence about the modern world, both technically and morally, which makes it impossible for any nation completely to isolate itself from economic and political upheavals in the rest of the world, especially when such upheavals appear to be spreading and not declining. There can be no stability or peace either within nations or between nations except under laws and moral standards adhered to by all International anarchy destroys every foundation for peace. It jeopardizes either the immediate or the future security of every nation, large or small. It is, therefore, a matter of vital interest and concern to the people of the United States that the sanctity of international treaties and the maintenance of international morality be restored. The overwhelming majority of the peoples and nations of the world today want to live in peace. They seek the removal of barriers against trade. They want to exert themselves in industry, in agriculture and in business, that they may increase their wealth through the production of wealth-producing goods rather than striving to produce military planes and bombs and machine guns and cannon for the destruction of human lives and useful property.”
Document F
Source: Massachusetts Women's Political Club protest against the Lend-Lease bill. February 26, 1941
Document F
Source: Arthur H. Vandenberg, U. S. Senator from Michigan, Delivered at St. Paul, Minn., February 10, 1940
“This distraught world is riddled with bitter, horrifying wars which wrench our hearts, ravish our ideals, and consume us with hatreds for sanguinary despots who extinguish the very lamps of civilization. Deep and impulsive emotions might easily drive us once more to these battle lines 3,000 miles away. But we must ever take counsel of reality. Reality says we cannot hope to control the destiny of power politics in the Old World. Reality says we must avoid entangling contracts…We have no business in any kind of partnership with such an outlaw. Reality tells us that our own stupendous obligation to democracy is to keep its torch alight in this New World… Reality demands that we must avoid these wars by every effort consistent with national security and honor. We can stay out if we will—and stay out we must. When we are attacked, we shall respond with every man and every dollar beneath the flag. Until we are attacked we shall hold our peace. America must be our exclusive, dominating dedication. America must be our passion. And none but devoted, single-purpose Americans must be put on guard…Our battles, my fellow countrymen, are here at home…”
“This distraught world is riddled with bitter, horrifying wars which wrench our hearts, ravish our ideals, and consume us with hatreds for sanguinary despots who extinguish the very lamps of civilization. Deep and impulsive emotions might easily drive us once more to these battle lines 3,000 miles away. But we must ever take counsel of reality. Reality says we cannot hope to control the destiny of power politics in the Old World. Reality says we must avoid entangling contracts…We have no business in any kind of partnership with such an outlaw. Reality tells us that our own stupendous obligation to democracy is to keep its torch alight in this New World… Reality demands that we must avoid these wars by every effort consistent with national security and honor. We can stay out if we will—and stay out we must. When we are attacked, we shall respond with every man and every dollar beneath the flag. Until we are attacked we shall hold our peace. America must be our exclusive, dominating dedication. America must be our passion. And none but devoted, single-purpose Americans must be put on guard…Our battles, my fellow countrymen, are here at home…”
DBQ Neutrality Example
The quote above is very valid. It is clear from America's actions regarding political, economic, and social issues that the Unites States was primarily an isolationist country.
In the beginning of World War II, the Unites States strived to be separated from the chaos occurring in Europe. In order to stay isolated from these affais, Conress passed political acts to protect the U.S. from destruction. propaganda posters were posted everywhere throughout the country to influence people to stay isolated for the sake of protecting democracy. For example, in the political cartoon, "The Only Way We Can Save Her," Orr tried to persuade his viewers not to support America's involvemt in the war (Doc A). We can infer that Orr is trying to say that America should not go into war so that Democracy can live on. Without a safe haven from the c haos is Europe, democracy would cease to exist. Some people wanted to heed the words of George Washington ins his Farewell Address to stay away from European affairs. they reasoned that if our first president did not want to be entanle in foreign relations, we shoudl follow his opinions and stay out of the war. This is why the American people were not pleased with the League of Nations and chose no to be a part of it in order to stay isoalted. An example of this is the reaction to the Spanish Civil War where fascist leader Francisco Franco attacked the Republican Democracy. Although America would usually intervene to save democracy, they choose to ignore their battle and stay isolated. By doing so, America emphasized its decision to avoid any kind of foreign matters. FDR also took steps to keep the U.S. from entering the war. this idea of neutrality reaches most U.S. Senators as shown in Vandenberg's speech delivered at St. Paul. This Senator emphasize how important it was for citizens to focus on their own issues and problems (Doc G). He repeatedly sated that the problems in America are more important than our own idealized and moral obliation to spread Democracy. This speech strengthens the hypothesis that America was very self-centered when it came to goreign affais; only looking out for itself. All of these were factors that exhibited America's want for isolation.
America's desire to stay an isolationist country can also bee seen in its economic policies. Soon after America realized the threats from nations such as Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, they were quick to create the Neutrality Acts. The Neutrality Acts were created to keep America out of the war. It stated that no American could sell, ship (directly or indirectly), or give any belligerent in the War (Doc C). This act demonstrated how serious Ameica was about maintaining their neutrality. They would rather stay a safe, neutral country than to try and get out of the Depression by selling weapons; or in other words, isolation was more important to the American than money. Another example of how important isolationism was to the American is the Johnson Debt Default Act. this law stated that the United States could no loner lend cash to any country that already owed America money. This also showe that America harbored a selfish need to protect themselves, and themselves only. They had no regard for the wellbeing of foreign nations and just left these countries to "stew in their own juices." Franklin Delano Roosevelt even pulled out America's participation in the London Conference although the meeting was planned to help sovle economic problems for all countries. It was clear that in order to maintain exonomix security internationally, America should have participated in the conference. This again demonstrated that America valued its own neutrality over the wellbeing of their foreign relationship with other countries.
Evidence of American isolationism can also be seen in social issues. In contrast with the sinking of the American ship Maine,%2
The quote above is very valid. It is clear from America's actions regarding political, economic, and social issues that the Unites States was primarily an isolationist country.
In the beginning of World War II, the Unites States strived to be separated from the chaos occurring in Europe. In order to stay isolated from these affais, Conress passed political acts to protect the U.S. from destruction. propaganda posters were posted everywhere throughout the country to influence people to stay isolated for the sake of protecting democracy. For example, in the political cartoon, "The Only Way We Can Save Her," Orr tried to persuade his viewers not to support America's involvemt in the war (Doc A). We can infer that Orr is trying to say that America should not go into war so that Democracy can live on. Without a safe haven from the c haos is Europe, democracy would cease to exist. Some people wanted to heed the words of George Washington ins his Farewell Address to stay away from European affairs. they reasoned that if our first president did not want to be entanle in foreign relations, we shoudl follow his opinions and stay out of the war. This is why the American people were not pleased with the League of Nations and chose no to be a part of it in order to stay isoalted. An example of this is the reaction to the Spanish Civil War where fascist leader Francisco Franco attacked the Republican Democracy. Although America would usually intervene to save democracy, they choose to ignore their battle and stay isolated. By doing so, America emphasized its decision to avoid any kind of foreign matters. FDR also took steps to keep the U.S. from entering the war. this idea of neutrality reaches most U.S. Senators as shown in Vandenberg's speech delivered at St. Paul. This Senator emphasize how important it was for citizens to focus on their own issues and problems (Doc G). He repeatedly sated that the problems in America are more important than our own idealized and moral obliation to spread Democracy. This speech strengthens the hypothesis that America was very self-centered when it came to goreign affais; only looking out for itself. All of these were factors that exhibited America's want for isolation.
America's desire to stay an isolationist country can also bee seen in its economic policies. Soon after America realized the threats from nations such as Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, they were quick to create the Neutrality Acts. The Neutrality Acts were created to keep America out of the war. It stated that no American could sell, ship (directly or indirectly), or give any belligerent in the War (Doc C). This act demonstrated how serious Ameica was about maintaining their neutrality. They would rather stay a safe, neutral country than to try and get out of the Depression by selling weapons; or in other words, isolation was more important to the American than money. Another example of how important isolationism was to the American is the Johnson Debt Default Act. this law stated that the United States could no loner lend cash to any country that already owed America money. This also showe that America harbored a selfish need to protect themselves, and themselves only. They had no regard for the wellbeing of foreign nations and just left these countries to "stew in their own juices." Franklin Delano Roosevelt even pulled out America's participation in the London Conference although the meeting was planned to help sovle economic problems for all countries. It was clear that in order to maintain exonomix security internationally, America should have participated in the conference. This again demonstrated that America valued its own neutrality over the wellbeing of their foreign relationship with other countries.
Evidence of American isolationism can also be seen in social issues. In contrast with the sinking of the American ship Maine,%2
Facts and Information
Facts and Inferences Sheet
Document A
Facts:
-Europe is in war.
-America is the last refuge for Democracy.
-Democracy is asking Uncle Sam to stay out of Europe
Inference:
-There is no longer any form of democracy in Europe
-America should not go into the war so that democracy can live on.
-If Americans want to keep America in a safe situation, they should not go into war.
Document B
Facts:
-Hitler's foot has crushed Europe
-Hitler's foot is about to crush America
-Hitler is coming to control America
Inference:
-If Americans do not help Britain, Hitler will destroy America.
-The statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom and ddemocracy, so if Britain falls, America will no loner have freedom and Democracy.
-Hitler is extremely powerful right now and will continue to be powerful unless America helps defend it.
Document C
Facts:
-It is against the law to send arms, weapons, or any articles of war to countries involved in WWII
-The president has the power to create embargos against countries who become involved in the war.
-Americans cannot send weapons to neutral countries so that they can in turn send the weapons to other nations in the war.
Inferences:
-America does not want to be involved in the war
-America does not want to help countries involved in the war.
-America would rather stay neutral than make money by selling weapons.
Document D
Facts:
-For most of 1940, a majority of American did not want to send U.S. troops to Europe.
-A month before Peaerl Harbor, the percentage of Americans who wanted to send troops was greater than the percentage who did not want to send troops.
-the percent of people who wanted to send American troops to Europe increased from 1940-1941
Inferences:
-The actions of Axis powers from 1940 to 1941 caused Americans to be more open to going to war.
-Even if Pearl Harbor did not occur, America probably would have went to war because a majority of the population wanted to send troops to Europe.
-For the most of 1940, America was an isolationists country.
Document E
Facts:
-All countries are connected so it's impossible for a country to isolate itself from the world.
-Countries cannot live in peace until they communicate with and undestand other international countries.
-International treaties are needed to maintain peace.
Inferences:
-FDR wants America to be involved in the war
-FDR wants to form more international treaties and law
-FDR does not want to be an isolationist country.
Document F
Facts:
-Women from the Women's political club are protesting against the Lend-Lease Bill.
-The Women's political club is against War bill 1776
-Women are protesting with a man dressed up as Santa.
Inferences:
-Most women are isolationsts
Most women do not want their sons to go into war.
-Most women do not want to help Britain.
Document G
Facts:
-America must avoid foreign issues.
-It is America's obligation to maintain democracy in the New World.
-America's responsibilities are in America.
Inferences:
-Americans will not go into war unless someone atacks them.
-Americans believe that America i s the only place where democracy is safe.
-America wants to stay an isolationsts country.
Document A
Facts:
-Europe is in war.
-America is the last refuge for Democracy.
-Democracy is asking Uncle Sam to stay out of Europe
Inference:
-There is no longer any form of democracy in Europe
-America should not go into the war so that democracy can live on.
-If Americans want to keep America in a safe situation, they should not go into war.
Document B
Facts:
-Hitler's foot has crushed Europe
-Hitler's foot is about to crush America
-Hitler is coming to control America
Inference:
-If Americans do not help Britain, Hitler will destroy America.
-The statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom and ddemocracy, so if Britain falls, America will no loner have freedom and Democracy.
-Hitler is extremely powerful right now and will continue to be powerful unless America helps defend it.
Document C
Facts:
-It is against the law to send arms, weapons, or any articles of war to countries involved in WWII
-The president has the power to create embargos against countries who become involved in the war.
-Americans cannot send weapons to neutral countries so that they can in turn send the weapons to other nations in the war.
Inferences:
-America does not want to be involved in the war
-America does not want to help countries involved in the war.
-America would rather stay neutral than make money by selling weapons.
Document D
Facts:
-For most of 1940, a majority of American did not want to send U.S. troops to Europe.
-A month before Peaerl Harbor, the percentage of Americans who wanted to send troops was greater than the percentage who did not want to send troops.
-the percent of people who wanted to send American troops to Europe increased from 1940-1941
Inferences:
-The actions of Axis powers from 1940 to 1941 caused Americans to be more open to going to war.
-Even if Pearl Harbor did not occur, America probably would have went to war because a majority of the population wanted to send troops to Europe.
-For the most of 1940, America was an isolationists country.
Document E
Facts:
-All countries are connected so it's impossible for a country to isolate itself from the world.
-Countries cannot live in peace until they communicate with and undestand other international countries.
-International treaties are needed to maintain peace.
Inferences:
-FDR wants America to be involved in the war
-FDR wants to form more international treaties and law
-FDR does not want to be an isolationist country.
Document F
Facts:
-Women from the Women's political club are protesting against the Lend-Lease Bill.
-The Women's political club is against War bill 1776
-Women are protesting with a man dressed up as Santa.
Inferences:
-Most women are isolationsts
Most women do not want their sons to go into war.
-Most women do not want to help Britain.
Document G
Facts:
-America must avoid foreign issues.
-It is America's obligation to maintain democracy in the New World.
-America's responsibilities are in America.
Inferences:
-Americans will not go into war unless someone atacks them.
-Americans believe that America i s the only place where democracy is safe.
-America wants to stay an isolationsts country.
Potential Outside Information
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1935
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1937
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1939
Washington's Farewell Address
Monroe Doctrine
Senator Gerald Nye of North Dakota
Nye Committee
Fall of Paris, 1940
Committee to Defend dAmerica by Aiding the Allies
Quarintine Speech
Ernest hemingway
Paris Peace Conferernce
Destroyer Deal
Cash-and-Carry
Lend-Lease Bill
Atlantic Charter
Women's Political club
Senator Burton Wheeler
Non-partisan Committee for Peace through the Revision of the Neutrality Law
Fight for Freedom Commitee
Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh
Frank Lloyed Wright
No Foreign War Committee
Charles A. Beard
Havana Conference
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox
Secreatry of War Henry L. Stimson
New York Herald Tribune
League of Nations
America First Committee
Keep America Out of War Congress
"Veerans of Future Wars"
Socialist Party
Wilson's 14 Points
National Council for the Prevention of War
London Conference
Tyding-McDuffle Act
Johnson Debt Default Act
Spanish Civil War
Panay incident
Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy
Washington Conference
Dollar Diplomacy
Roosevelt Corollary
Reciprocal trade Agreement
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1935
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1937
U.S. Neutrality Act of 1939
Washington's Farewell Address
Monroe Doctrine
Senator Gerald Nye of North Dakota
Nye Committee
Fall of Paris, 1940
Committee to Defend dAmerica by Aiding the Allies
Quarintine Speech
Ernest hemingway
Paris Peace Conferernce
Destroyer Deal
Cash-and-Carry
Lend-Lease Bill
Atlantic Charter
Women's Political club
Senator Burton Wheeler
Non-partisan Committee for Peace through the Revision of the Neutrality Law
Fight for Freedom Commitee
Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh
Frank Lloyed Wright
No Foreign War Committee
Charles A. Beard
Havana Conference
Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox
Secreatry of War Henry L. Stimson
New York Herald Tribune
League of Nations
America First Committee
Keep America Out of War Congress
"Veerans of Future Wars"
Socialist Party
Wilson's 14 Points
National Council for the Prevention of War
London Conference
Tyding-McDuffle Act
Johnson Debt Default Act
Spanish Civil War
Panay incident
Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy
Washington Conference
Dollar Diplomacy
Roosevelt Corollary
Reciprocal trade Agreement