The Road To Pearl Harbor, 1919-1941 Season 1 Episode 2 Return To Isolationism

The Road To Pearl Harbor is a historical documentary series that analyzes the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. In season 1, episode 2 – Return To Isolationism, the series explores the United States' retreat from international engagement following World War I.

The episode begins with a brief recap of the First World War and the United States' role in the conflict. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, signaled the end of the war and established the League of Nations. However, the United States, under President Woodrow Wilson's leadership, did not join the League, citing concerns about the organization's ability to maintain world peace.

The United States' isolationist stance was also evident in its foreign policy during the interwar period. During this time, the country focused on domestic issues and largely ignored international affairs. This was reflected in legislation such as the Neutrality Acts, which sought to prevent the United States from being pulled into another global conflict.

However, as the episode points out, this isolationist policy also created a power vacuum in Europe, allowing fascist regimes to rise to power. Additionally, Japan was expanding its empire in Asia, and tensions were rising between the United States and Japan. This ultimately led to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Return To Isolationism examines the complex factors that contributed to America's isolationist policies during the years preceding World War II. The episode includes expert analysis from historians and military experts, as well as archival footage that captures the zeitgeist of the time.

The Road To Pearl Harbor seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical context in which the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. Return To Isolationism serves as a crucial foundation for this understanding, exploring the internal and external factors that led to the United States' isolationist policies and examining the impact of those policies on global events. The episode sheds light on a pivotal moment in American history and provides critical insight into the lead-up to a conflict that would ultimately reshape the world.