Timeline: Non-Interventionism in America

Jan 10, 1776

Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense".

Paine was revolutionary when he had the conviction that a break in history was necessary for America to become independent of Britain.

Sep 19, 1796

George Washington issues his Farewell Address.

He states that it is not a good idea to create "permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world" and that commerce with other nations should be maintained although there should not be imvolvement in European wars and no entrieng into any "entangling" alliances.

Mar 4, 1801

Thomas Jefferson gives his Inaugural Address.

He describes his thoughts on "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none."

Dec 2, 1823

James Monroe articulates the Monroe Doctrine.

A doctrine in which he remarked that the U.S should not intervene with the matters of European nations, unless her rights were invaded or people injured leading to self-defense as a result of that.

Jan 22, 1863

Secretary of State William H. Seward declines intervening in the January Uprising in Poland.

After Tsar Alexander asks the U.S. to "join in a protest to the Tsar", the Secretary of State decides not to and believes in "defending 'our policy of non-intervention - straight, absolute, and peculiar as it may seem to other nations" as well as insisting that "the American people must be content to recommend the cause of human progress by the wisdom with which they should exercise the powers of self-government, forbearing at all times, and in every way, from foreign alliances, intervention..

Jun 2, 1899

Philippine-American War

Starting from June 2nd 1899 - July 4th 1902, was the time in which the Filipino Rebellion took place, then after more rebellion would occur from 1899 - 1913 during the War. The Conflict was one of the many things that would occur during Philippine's struggle for independence.

Dec 29, 1940

President FDR addresses the nation about foreign policy.

“…the Axis not merely admits but proclaims that there can be no ultimate peace between their philosophy of government and our philosophy of government.”

Dec 8, 1941

Robert Taft Against World War 2

As a non-interventionist , Taft believed that America should avoid any involvement with Europe, Asia, and its wars and concentrate instead on solving America's domestic issues and problems. He also grew suspicion of America's involvment with The North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO.