how security policy has evolved over the course of american history.

by Mr. Aric Connelly Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 7 min read

Leaders, geography, popular sentiment, and technology have all played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's ever-evolving security policies. Shortly after the U.S. gained independence in 1783, the greatest security threat to the fledgling nation was posed by rival European powers.

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What factors shape the United States security policy?

Discuss how security policy has evolved over the course of American history. Discuss and differentiate the key policy approaches during the nineteenth century, during the Cold War, and in the post-Cold War era (including the Clinton, Bush, Obama and Trump administrations).

What is the history of information security?

Mar 24, 2014 · There has been a tremendous transformation within the U.S. since its inception in the way it approaches national security. Leaders, geography, popular sentiment, and technology have all played pivotal roles in shaping the nation's ever-evolving security policies. Shortly after the U.S. gained independence in 1783, the greatest security threat ...

What was the US national security policy after WW2?

May 15, 2017 · The United States’ national security policy is developed by several groups that must cooperate to produce a policy that achieves an overall goal of safeguarding American citizens. When President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, several large-scale government organizational changes were made for the sake of having more ...

What was the US national policy for the first 200 years?

Changes in National Security Policy Over the course of American history, the development of American national security policy has been a slow progression and change has often coincided with major events. When America declared its independence, few threats were posed to it by bordering countries and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans protected the country from existing …

What was the US's national security policy after WWII?

Containing communism became the official national security policy of the U.S. after WWII, but efforts to contain the Soviets started during the war. Hoping to thwart the USSR and the spread of communism by gaining favor with nations recovering from the effects of WWII, the U.S. instituted the Marshall Plan (1948), ...

What was the national security policy designed to effectively thwart nuclear war?

However, the conventional and nuclear arms race was the ever-present security concern. Mutual Assured Destruction (the idea that the U.S. and USSR engaging in nuclear war would be the death of everyone) was the nation's official and only national security policy which was designed to effectively thwart nuclear war.

What was the purpose of the Espionage Act of 1917?

passed the Espionage Act of 1917 -- a document that has been frequently amended and has recently resurfaced as the primary means to accuse whistle-blowers like Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning with “aiding the enemy.”. WWII is largely credited for creating the modern political world structure.

What were the three things that were justified by the Monroe doctrine?

The Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Monroe Doctrine (1823), the Trail of Tears (1830), the Annexation of Mexico (1848), the acquisition of Oregon (1848), and the Roosevelt Corollary (1904) were all inspired, or justified, by this divine ideology. Land expansion and the structuralized destruction of native populations were justified as a means ...

Why was land expansion justified?

Land expansion and the structuralized destruction of native populations were justified as a means to increase the size and resources of a developing nation while eradicating domestic security threats. U.S. imperialist policies strengthened with rising industrialization and the emergence of the U.S. Navy toward the late 19th Century.

What is the ideology of Woodrow Wilson?

Woodrow Wilson popularized a. lasting ideology labeled “Wilsonianism,” or “American Exceptionalism,” which idealizes the U.S. as a “city upon a hill.”. According to this perspective, the U.S. is unique and exceptional in regards to democracy, individualism, egalitarianism, laissez-faire, and republicanism.

What was the Cold War?

In terms of national security, the Cold War initiated a global arms race which called for increased intelligence gathering, spying, and international alliances.

What is the main concern of the United States in developing national security policies?

America’s main concern in developing national security policies is the protection of the United States and its citizens from foreign threats that compromise the safety of the nation. Currently, America’s national security policy strives to strengthen homeland security while also promoting domestic and global peace. To develop a better understanding of America’s national security policy, students who are interested in pursuing a career in international relations should understand its origins, as well as the structures and organizations within the policy.

Why did the government change in 1947?

Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, several large-scale government organizational changes were made for the sake of having more control over national security. These changes were not limited to the reorganization of existing structures, but also the introduction of new ones.

What is the Directorate of Analysis?

The Directorate of Analysis is a network of analysts who are tasked with sifting through data obtained by the CIA and identifying the best ways to use that information to solve an array of national security and foreign policy problems. The Directorate of Science and Technology is comprised of teams of engineers and scientists who are responsible ...

What is the Directorate of Science and Technology?

The Directorate of Science and Technology is comprised of teams of engineers and scientists who are responsible for creating the most innovative and sophisticated tools for use by the CIA and other United States agencies.

What is the purpose of the NSA?

The NSA is also tasked with processing and disseminating that information for the purpose of preventing foreign entities from gaining access to classified national security information. The National Security Council (NSC) – The National Security Council was created in 1947 for the purpose of effectively coordinating national security policies.

How many directorates does the CIA have?

The CIA operates in five different directorates: Operations, Analysis, Science & Technology, Support, and Digital Innovation. The Directorate of Operations employs undercover citizens in foreign regions as spies, helping the agency gain access to critical information about foreign governments.

What is the CIA?

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) – Formed in 1947, the CIA is America’s foremost intelligence agency and exists to provide United States policymakers with proper intelligence that could prove to be vital during the legislative process. For example, when other nations take covert actions against the United States, ...

Course Description

This course examines the problems and issues confronting American national security policymakers and the many factors that influence the policies that emerge. But this is not a course about "threats," military strategies, or the exercise of military power.