Rise to Globalism: American Foreign Policy since 1938

In the first three chapters, Ambrose and Brinkley discuss America’s path to the Second World War as well as the fronts in Europe and Asia. They focus on the transition from a foreign policy of neutrality to active participation in this global conflict in the European and Pacific theaters. The authors discuss domestic debates prior to entry into this war. They also discuss the Grand Alliance of the Second World War, the relationship between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin, and the challenges they faced pragmatically and ideologically. Rise to Globalism also pays special attention to both the most important military campaigns, such as Operation Bagration and Torch.

Paradoxically, the United States was in a secure position in the 1930s. Germany and France distracted Nazi Germany, whereas the socialist Soviet Union appeared relatively weak: “American foreign policy was to support the status quo, but only through vaguely worded statements” (2).

When the war began in September 1939 with Germany’s attack on Poland, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) intended to stay out but not without aiding the Allies:

Cash-and-carry symbolized much that was to follow. It aligned the United States with the democracies, reiterated American concern and friendship for Western Europe, and made it clear that the country would resist any attempt to upset the balance of power in Europe (3).