CONTENT STATEMENT
After World War I, the United States pursued efforts to maintain peace in the world. However, as a result of the national debate over the Versailles Treaty ratification and the League of Nations, the United States moved away from the role of world peacekeeper and limited its involvement in international affairs.
CONTENT ELABORATION
After World War I, the United States emerged as a world leader and pursued efforts to maintain peace in the world. The United States’ efforts partially helped shape the Treaty of Versailles, but debate over its terms and efforts to avoid foreign entanglements led to its defeat in the Senate and the United States’ decision not to join the League of Nations.
Desires to avoid another major war led to treaties addressing arms limitation and territorial expansion. In 1928, the United States signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact to prohibit war as “an instrument of national policy.” In later legislative acts, the United States sought to limit its involvement in international affairs.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain why and how the United States moved to a policy of isolationism following World War I.