By the end of World War II, however, the United States stood as one of two leading global powers, alongside the Soviet Union, which had experienced a similarly unexpected rise to power.
Most Americans remained content to let other powers, such as Great Britain, fill that role. Before the start of World War II, the idea of the United States as a leading global power was not an ambition of American politicians. The “war to end all wars” ultimately failed to live up to its name, and Americans were wary of once again of getting involved in foreign conflicts. The aftermath of World War I confirmed the importance of isolationism to many Americans. Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration, 200610.
Top Image: President Truman with members of his Cabinet and other officials, in the Cabinet Room of the White House.
