When World War II kicked off in Europe, most Americans wanted to stay out of the conflict. As the war raged on, some Americans believed the United States could not avoid war, but others thought the United States should isolate themselves from global engagements. Before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor there were isolationists and America First advocates. ​​​​​​​

Isolationism

Isolationism is a policy of avoiding entanglements with other countries, and a recurring theme in United States history. During World War II, isolationists passed laws to prevent the United States from aiding European countries and growing ties with countries abroad. Isolationists said America needed to focus on American issues, like bringing the United States out of the Great Depression. ​​​​​​​

[He Never Knew What Hit Him, 1941, UC San Diego Library.]

America First

America First was an anti-interventionist cause before the United States joined the war. America First’s main spokesman was Charles Lindbergh, also the first person to fly solo, nonstop, across the Atlantic. Lindbergh made many speeches, but criticism against him started to grow. America First fell apart when the Japanese attacked the United States and America joined the war. ​​​​​​​