2000 Dbq Essay

After a period of attempted isolationism, America began to engaged the world more aggressively in light of threats from Japan and Germany between 1937 and 1941; inspiring this change in foreign policy were many factors, primarily the economics, national security considerations, and the desire to preserve democratic values. Economically, America was looking to make money off of the war; however, as America became more involved, the war effort would cost the country. Deals such as “Cash and Carry” and “Destroyers for Bases” allowed America to profit off of the war until it decided to assume the role of the “arsenal of democracy” and pledged to spend money on those who were defending their freedoms (Doc. F). Accompanying this policy of supporting democracies, other economic changes came too, in the form of trade restrictions. America cut its economic engagements with Japan, stopping its sales of oil to the imperialistic nation. The sale of steel was also cut and limited to …show more content…
In the face of imperial powers and dictatorships, Americans were told through the media that they were entering the war to save democracy and prevent totalitarian rule (Doc. C). While this message may seem like pure propaganda at first, there is some truth to it: Roosevelt did really want to abolish the concept of “spheres of influence” and help people attain their freedoms (Doc. C). In fact, addressing Congress, Roosevelt outlined the Four Freedoms he wanted to ensure for all people (Doc. F). These words were further backed when Roosevelt and Churchill both agreed upon the Atlantic Charter, which would outline self-determination for all people and plan an end to imperialist practices. Though each factor is unique, economics, national security, and democratic values all came together to shape the bulk of Roosevelt’s foreign policy during the years of