Attitudes

Definition

Attitudes refer to the settled ways of thinking or feeling about something, typically reflected in a person's behavior. In the context of America as a World Power, attitudes shaped national policies, public perception, and the country's role on the global stage, influencing decisions related to imperialism, diplomacy, and military intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Americans held positive attitudes towards expansionism and viewed it as a moral obligation to spread democracy and capitalism.
2. The Spanish-American War reflected a shift in attitudes, as many Americans began to embrace a more aggressive foreign policy and support military interventions.
3. Racial superiority beliefs influenced attitudes towards non-Western nations, often justifying imperialist actions as a civilizing mission.
4. Public attitudes shifted towards isolationism after World War I due to disillusionment with global conflicts and a desire to focus on domestic issues.
5. The Great Depression further fueled isolationist attitudes, causing many Americans to prioritize economic recovery over international engagement.

Review Questions

• How did American attitudes towards imperialism evolve during the late 19th century?
  • American attitudes towards imperialism evolved from skepticism to support as people began to view expansion as a way to promote democracy and enhance national power. The belief that the U.S. had a responsibility to civilize other nations gained traction, particularly after events like the Spanish-American War. This shift in mindset led to greater public acceptance of military interventions and colonial acquisitions in places like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
• Evaluate the impact of racial attitudes on America's foreign policy decisions in the early 20th century.
  • Racial attitudes significantly impacted America's foreign policy during this period by promoting ideas of racial superiority and justifying imperialistic actions. Many Americans believed that they were culturally and racially superior to non-Western nations, leading to interventions that were framed as 'civilizing missions.' These beliefs often guided U.S. actions in territories like the Philippines and Latin America, reinforcing an attitude that prioritized American interests over those of other nations.
• Analyze how shifts in public attitudes influenced U.S. foreign policy during the interwar period.
  • Shifts in public attitudes during the interwar period profoundly influenced U.S. foreign policy, particularly with the rise of isolationism following World War I. Disillusionment with international conflicts led many Americans to advocate for non-involvement in foreign affairs. This prevailing attitude resulted in policies aimed at avoiding entanglement in global issues, such as the rejection of the Treaty of Versailles and membership in the League of Nations. Consequently, these shifts contributed to a lack of preparedness for subsequent global conflicts, impacting America's role on the world stage.

Related terms

Imperialism:

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Isolationism:

A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs and conflicts.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century belief that the expansion of the United States across North America was both justified and inevitable.