Why did most americans support isolationism ww2?

There were several reasons why a significant number of Americans supported isolationism in the period leading up to and during the early years of World War II:

1. Legacy of World War I: The experience of World War I had a profound impact on American public opinion. Many Americans had felt that U.S. involvement in the conflict had been a mistake, and they were determined to avoid being drawn into another European war.

2. Economic Concerns:The Great Depression of the 1930s had a severe economic impact on the United States. Many Americans were more focused on recovering from economic hardship at home than becoming involved in foreign conflicts.

3. Nativism and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: There was a strong strain of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States during this period. Some Americans believed that involvement in European affairs might lead to entanglements with nations that they perceived as having different cultural, political, or economic values.

4. Pacifism: Many Americans embraced pacifist ideals and were hesitant to support military interventions abroad. The horrors of World War I had influenced a desire to avoid further bloodshed.

5. Neutrality Acts: The U.S. government passed a series of Neutrality Acts in the 1930s aimed at preventing the United States from becoming entangled in foreign conflicts. These acts imposed various restrictions on arms sales, loans, and travel to countries at war.

6. Focus on Domestic Issues: Americans were preoccupied with domestic issues, including economic recovery, social reforms, and addressing the consequences of the Great Depression. Foreign entanglements were seen as distractions from these pressing concerns.

It's important to note that while isolationism was a prominent sentiment, there were also Americans who recognized the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan and argued for intervention. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 ultimately shifted public opinion, leading to widespread support for U.S. involvement in World War II.