In what ways did the Progressive Era set the stage for U.S. involvement in the world today? In what ways are things different now?

Basically, the United States was very "isolationist" before the Spanish-American War and World War I. We felt safe, separated by oceans, from the rest of the world and saw no reason to get involved except for trade. World War I changed that, although isolationists remained vocal and influential until we were attacked by the Japanese at Pear Harbor. Now we are aggressively involved, diplomatically and sometimes militarily, all over the world and assume we must be. I'll find some links for you and post them separately.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_policy_of_the_United_States

http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/item/2005/0709/stat/staten_reality.html

To understand how the Progressive Era set the stage for U.S. involvement in the world today and the differences between then and now, let's break it down.

During the Progressive Era in the early 20th century, the United States experienced significant political, social, and economic changes. These changes influenced American foreign policy and set the foundations for U.S. involvement in the world. Here's how it happened:

1. Expansion of Global Trade: The Progressive Era witnessed a shift towards advocating for free trade and open markets, as well as the increasing integration of the global economy. This led to the establishment of the Department of Commerce and the expansion of American businesses abroad. Today, the United States continues to be a major player in the global economy, with extensive trade relations and economic interdependence with other countries.

2. Rise of International Institutions: Progressive reformers believed in the power of international institutions to address global challenges and promote peace. This mindset laid the groundwork for U.S. involvement in the formation of institutions such as the League of Nations (after World War I) and later the United Nations (post-World War II). The U.S. continues to play a central role in international organizations, contributing to global governance and addressing issues like human rights, climate change, and global security.

3. Shift from Isolationism: The Progressive Era marked a gradual departure from the U.S.'s previous policy of isolationism and increased engagement with global affairs. The Spanish-American War and subsequent conflicts demonstrated the U.S.'s growing interest in asserting its influence beyond its borders. This shift towards a more interventionist foreign policy has grown even more pronounced today, as the U.S. takes an active role in global military operations, peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian interventions.

4. Emphasis on Democracy and Social Reforms: Progressive-era reformers advocated for democracy, political transparency, and social justice. These ideals translated to supporting democratic movements around the world and promoting the American model of governance. Today, the U.S. continues to advocate for democracy, human rights, and democratic values on a global scale, although there are debates and challenges surrounding the approach taken and contradictions that arise.

Now, let's address the ways in which things are different:

1. Global Dynamics: The world today is vastly different from the Progressive Era in terms of the global power structure. During the Progressive Era, the United States was emerging as a global power, while now it is one of the superpowers along with other countries like China, Russia, and the European Union. The nature of relationships between these powers has become more complex and interconnected.

2. Technology and Communication: The rapid advancements in technology, particularly in communication and transportation, have fundamentally transformed global interactions. Through the internet, social media, and instant global connectivity, information flows freely and at an unprecedented speed, shaping public opinion, policy decisions, and international relations.

3. Global Challenges: The world today faces a different set of challenges compared to the Progressive Era. While issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights were concerns then, today's global challenges include climate change, terrorism, cybersecurity, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions. These issues require a different approach and international cooperation in finding solutions.

4. Changing Global Order: The end of the Cold War marked a shift in the global order, with the U.S. emerging as the world's sole superpower. However, the rise of new powers and regional dynamics, along with the changing geopolitical landscape, have challenged the dominance of the U.S. The international stage is now characterized by a multipolar world, where power is distributed among various actors.

In conclusion, the Progressive Era set the stage for U.S. involvement in the world today by promoting global trade, supporting international institutions, shifting away from isolationism, and championing democracy and social reforms. However, the world today differs significantly due to changes in global dynamics, technology, challenges faced, and the shifting global order.