The period from the outset of World War I to the end of World War II was
among the most significant in the history of the United States. Twice it
was drawn into "foreign entanglements"-wars it initially thought were no
concern of its own and of which it tried to steer clear-only to realize
that it could not stand aside. With each one, it geared up in record
time, entered the fray massively, and was crucial to the outcome. Each
war tested the American people and their leaders, and in each case the
country came out of the conflagration stronger than before-and even more
important-yet stronger relative to other countries than it had ever
been. This was the period when the United States became a world leader.
The Historical Dictionary of U.S. Diplomacy from World War I through
World War II relates the events of this crucial period in U.S. history
through a chronology, an introductory essay, and over 600
cross-referenced dictionary entries on key persons, places, events,
institutions, and organizations.