Over the course of American history, there have been many foreign policies that sparked controversy. After America became an independent nation in 1876, policies were implemented to influence the United States positively. America’s neutrality during World War I led to conflict, as Americans debated whether they should maintain their isolationism or join the war due to several factors. Louisiana Purchase was a source of controversy in America as it began to take its first steps into prosperity. America’s neutrality and purchase of Louisiana in 1803 created controversy and had an impact on the US as well as other countries.
America’s neutrality at the start of World War I has caused different opinions to be expressed among its citizens. It was a hotly debated topic in America whether the country should remain neutral or take part in foreign affairs for profit. Germany, Austria-Hungary (including Italy), and Italy were part of the Triple Alliance. Britain, Russia, France and France made up the Triple Entente. In 1914, because Serbia was seeking independence, a Serbian Nationalist assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Austria- Hungary declares a war against Serbia. This causes nations that are in alliances to be forced into war by the alliance system.
America remained neutral in the war, but there were no reasons given to Americans for joining. The war did not endanger the lives or property of people. Public opinion was divided but strong. Many Americans wished to remain neutral and keep peace. Many Americans wanted to avoid the tragedy of losing sons in war. They thought that war would not bring any positive gains to America. They would be exposed to unnecessary wars between other countries. Americans with close ties to a foreign country are much more likely than others to support that nation.
Further, the United States was a close economic partner of the Allies. This caused an even greater split in the public’s opinion. In 1917 Germans launched a unrestricted strategy of submarine warfare. They began sinking ships from France or Britain. The Lusitania sinking resulted in 128 deaths among Americans. Lastly, the Zimmerman telegram broke the Monroe Doctrine by disrupting the deal between Mexico, US, and Mexico. The events that occurred in April 1917 infuriated Americans, who declared war on Germany. The US had been harmed by Germany several times and many felt that it was no longer appropriate to remain neutral. World War I Neutrality impacted on the United States through the Red Scare and Sedition and Espionage Act.
The Bolshevik Revolution led to a global revolt by workers, which led the Red Scare. The Red Scare increased Americans’ fear for communism and led them to pass the Sedition and Espionage Act. The First Amendment was weakened by these acts, which eliminated freedom of press and speech. Schenck was found guilty in the Schenck V. United States case. This set a precedent for the First Amendment not to protect anyone who is endangering others’ lives during wartime. In the trench war, opposing armies would defend and fight their territory using dugouts trenches. Because of this, the neutrality that America displayed in World War I created a rift among Americans about their involvement in foreign affairs. As the First Amendment came under question and many laws were implemented, America was greatly influenced by these events.
The Louisiana Purchase was an act of foreign policy which caused conflict in the United States. Those opposed to it questioned the constitutionality. Those in support of the deal justified their purchase by claiming Manifest Destiny. Thomas Jefferson served as president during a time when Americans believed America was destined to move westward. Jefferson signed the Louisiana Purchase with Napoleon Bonaparte. This doubled the country’s size. This purchase also allowed Americans to have full access both to New Orleans Port and Mississippi River. The purchase, which greatly expanded America’s borders, was not without controversy. Americans claimed Jefferson did not adhere to his strict reading of the Constitution which forbade the federal government buying new land. Congress allowed Presidents to create treaties. A secret alliance was created with France by the purchase, which upset Britain. Unspoken alliances would lead to conflicts and wars with other nations. It went against the Democratic-Republican ideals of decreasing American debt.
In the end, it was not in America’s best interest to make this purchase. Manifest Destiny was a major factor in the Louisiana Purchase. The purchase of Louisiana doubled America’s size and expanded it even further. The Mississippi River and New Orleans port are important for America to increase their trading opportunities. The trade is boosted and America gains more trading partners. Louisiana was a large territory and it would benefit the US. As the US expanded, these opportunities helped America flourish and become more successful. America’s relationships with other countries would improve and expand as a result of better trading. The Louisiana Purchase was beneficial to the US because it provided a large amount of natural resources as well as increased opportunities for trading with foreign countries. So, the Louisiana Purchase is a controversial issue as to whether it was a good thing for the US. It is true that the purchase helped America develop as a new nation.
The United States was divided on many foreign policy decisions. Americans debated the neutrality of World War I and whether or not to take part in it. Red Scare was caused by World War I. The Sedition and Espionage Acts became law, creating a precedent. Louisiana’s purchase raised questions about whether it was beneficial or constitutional to the US. The purchase was beneficial to America because it increased the country’s trading opportunities and expanded its borders. Foreign policies caused many disagreements and had a major impact on the United States.
