<P> Although the United States was unwilling to commit to the League of Nations, they continued to engage in international negotiations and treaties . In August 1928, fifteen nations signed the Kellogg--Briand Pact, brainchild of American Secretary of State Frank Kellogg and French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand . This pact that was said to have outlawed war and showed the United States commitment to international peace had its semantic flaws . For example, it did not hold the United States to the conditions of any existing treaties, it still allowed European nations the right to self - defense, and it stated that if one nation broke the Pact, it would be up to the other signatories to enforce it . The Kellogg--Briand Pact was more of a sign of good intentions on the part of the US, rather than a legitimate step towards the sustenance of world peace . </P> <P> The economic depression that ensued after the Crash of 1929, also continued to abet non-intervention . The attention of the country focused mostly on addressing the problems of the national economy . The rise of aggressive expansionism policies by Fascist Italy and the Empire of Japan led to conflicts such as the Italian conquest of Ethiopia and the Japanese invasion of Manchuria . These events led to ineffectual condemnations by the League of Nations . Official American response was muted . America also did not take sides in the brutal Spanish Civil War . </P> <P> As Europe moved closer to war in the late 1930s, the United States Congress continued to demand American neutrality . Between 1936 and 1937, much to the dismay of President Roosevelt, Congress passed the Neutrality Acts . For example, in the final Neutrality Act, Americans could not sail on ships flying the flag of a belligerent nation or trade arms with warring nations . Such activities had played a role in American entrance into World War I . </P> <P> On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland; Britain and France subsequently declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War II . In an address to the American People two days later, President Roosevelt assured the nation that he would do all he could to keep them out of war . However, his words showed his true goals . "When peace has been broken anywhere, the peace of all countries everywhere is in danger," Roosevelt said . Even though he was intent on neutrality as the official policy of the United States, he still echoed the dangers of staying out of this war . He also cautioned the American people to not let their wish to avoid war at all costs supersede the security of the nation . </P>

When was the last time the us practiced isolationism