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Nationalism in America's UN Policy, 1944–1945

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 May 2009

Thomas M. Campbell
Thomas M. Campbell
Affiliation:
Thomas M.Campbell is an associate professor of history atFlorida State University, Tallahassee.
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Extract

This article presents an interpretation of the conflicts between universalism and nationalism as they affected United States policy toward the creation of the United Nations. Drawing on heretofore unavailable sources, the author stresses the rising influence of nationalism in the evolution of decisions on the veto power, trusteeships, and regionalism. His focus is on the decision–making process during Roosevelt's last year and the initial months of the Truman administration. He contends that Cordell Hull's universalist UN blueprint, which Roosevelt supported, was inexorably eroded by critics within the American government, especially military spokesmen. These leaders took advantage of the apprehension about the Soviet Union's future policy to further their own ambitions for a strong post–war military posture. Truman was sympathetic to the voices of nationalism, and when he became president the shift away from a strong UN became more pronounced.

Type
Articles
Information
International Organization , Volume 27 , Issue 1 , Winter 1973 , pp. 25 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © The IO Foundation 1973

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References

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2 Notably Senators Joseph R. Ball (R–Minn.), Harold H. Burton (R–Ohio), Carl A. Hatch (D–N.M.), and Lister Hill (D–Ala.).

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49 Idem.

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