Wpływy bez odpowiedzialności, czyli amerykański "izolacjonizm" po pierwszej wojnie światowej w kontekście relacji z Wielką Brytanią w przededniu Konferencji Waszyngtońskiej 1921-1922

The goal of this article is to look at American ‘isolationism’ after the Great War in the context of the United States relations with the British Empire on the eve of the Washington Conference of 1921/1922. In fact author decided to look at the US policies during that period through the British glasses. It seems instructive, as it shows how much attention the British cabinet paid to the American policies, and how much it hided an American opinion, in this case, especially concerning the British-Japanese relations. Despite some misgivings and grudges, London was aware that the US became a major power and an important factor in international politics, despite the fact that it decided to decline a participation in the League of Nations. It can be explained by the fact that the United States were able to play divisions among the members of the British Commonwealth to its advantage. Moreover the British perspective, and especially the fact of British willingness to accommodate the US demands, shows striking similarities between the American “isolationism” and the British, 19th century “splendid isolation”. Therefore both should be seen as a method of keeping distance not isolation per se. Both states, the UK during the 19th century and the US in early twenties of the 20th century wanted to keep themselves from any entanglements which could limit their freedom of action.