[Madison]

Paul Copioli replied, “If the US did not have its isolationist attitude during the late 30s and until December 7th, WW2 would have most likely been a much smaller conflict with much fewer casualties. If we would have stepped in when the Nazi's first attacked (Poland, I think ... its been too long and I don't have my old history book handy), Hitler's army would have had less power and could have been defeated sooner. The U.S. has great power in the World's eyes, and with that power comes a responsibility to protect peoples weaker than us. What if the U.S. had an Isolationist ideology now? The World would criticize us as they did during the "European War (aka WW2)".

The United States was in the throes of the Great Depression during the 1930’s, as well as not possessing nearly the military might that we’d like to imagine today. There was, realistically, very, very little that the United States could have done or sent into combat that would’ve turned the tide of World War II. In fact, had we acted prematurely, that conflict may have ended in a drastically different way.

Our isolationist policy was only reflective of our inability to properly support a military campaign at the start of the War. Further, public opinion after World War I wouldn’t allow the United States to enter World War II, resulting in our ‘isolationist’ policy. Again, this is more reflective of a government trying to maintain control of its people than it is of the Government’s own desire to remain militarily neutral during the conflict.
The moment that it became politically responsible, the United States enacted Lend-Lease agreements with Britain that sent American machinery into battle – before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack on Pearl Harbor was, like September 11, 2001, a political springboard that let the Government work toward further establishing itself as a world superpower. Our ‘responsibility to protect’ is nothing more than a noble-sounding justification for our selfish irresponsibility and disregard for the autonomy and sovereignty of other nations.

Even if the United States did virtuously battle on the side of the downtrodden, there would still be people who harbor resentment. It’s all a matter of pride, and the United States trying to be the Robin Hood of the globe injures the pride of some nations. It’s all about that work ethic, and the strength people receive in knowing that they can take care of themselves. If the United States steps in during every conflict, skirmish, or arms race, it will breed resentment, always.

Oh, and for what it’s worth, World War II became inevitable on June 18, 1935 when Great Britain legitimized the German naval buildup by signing the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, thus demonstrating its unwillingness to defend the Treaty of Versailles, and indicating its fear of Germany and its new ruler. That Prime Minister wasn’t such a good one, and he left a whole mess of stuff for Winston Churchill to cleanup. I fear for GWB’s successor.