Which of the following best describes the early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy shift?

Which of the following best describes the early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy shift?

• A. From military withdrawal to diplomatic engagement
• B. From isolationism to interventionism
• C. From colonialism to neutrality
• D. From trade-focused to military-focused

Answer: (B)

The early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy shift is best described as a movement from isolationism to interventionism. At the turn of the century, the United States largely adhered to a policy of isolationism, focusing on domestic issues and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts. However, as the century progressed, particularly during and after the Spanish-American War of 1898, the U.S. began to adopt a more interventionist approach. During this period, the U.S. became more actively involved in global affairs, demonstrating a willingness to engage in military conflicts, such as in the Philippines and Cuba. This shift was influenced by numerous factors, including a desire for economic expansion, strategic interests, and a belief in American exceptionalism. The construction of the Panama Canal and involvement in World War I further exemplified this transition, marking a significant departure from the previous isolationist stance. This profound change in foreign policy reflected a redefined role for the United States on the world stage, moving towards a more assertive and intervention-focused approach in international relations.

The early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy shift is best described as a movement from isolationism to interventionism. At the turn of the century, the United States largely adhered to a policy of isolationism, focusing on domestic issues and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts. However, as the century progressed, particularly during and after the Spanish-American War of 1898, the U.S. began to adopt a more interventionist approach.

During this period, the U.S. became more actively involved in global affairs, demonstrating a willingness to engage in military conflicts, such as in the Philippines and Cuba. This shift was influenced by numerous factors, including a desire for economic expansion, strategic interests, and a belief in American exceptionalism. The construction of the Panama Canal and involvement in World War I further exemplified this transition, marking a significant departure from the previous isolationist stance.

This profound change in foreign policy reflected a redefined role for the United States on the world stage, moving towards a more assertive and intervention-focused approach in international relations.