Mr. Meester AP European History Joyless Victory Mr. Meester AP European History

Problems with the Treaties There were near immediate call for revisions of the Paris Settlements Germany had been humiliated Arguments over how to pay reparations Nationalist groups in the new Eastern European states felt they had been treated unjustly No self-determination France felt it wasn’t adequately enforced The US refused to ratify the treaties or join the League of Nations

Post War Economic Problems Casualties from the war and the flu epidemic had wiped out millions Europe became deeply in debt to the US There was an absence of economic cooperation New boundaries cut off traditional supply routes and markets US was now a competitor and not a market

France’s Economy in Turmoil France had borrowed heavily during the war and spent greatly afterwards to rebuild its economy. Unfortunately, it relied on German reparations to fund many of these costs. Problems with these repayments created a financial crisis that saw public debt increase and a decline in the value of the franc.

The Bloc National, 1919-1924 Moderate-conservatives controlled the Chamber of Deputies post-war. The coalition known as the Bloc National. Aristide Briand was premier in 1921, but was removed a year later because of lack of firmness on the German reparations. (He’ll be back)

Franco-German Differences Germany’s inability to meet its debt payments caused issues for both countries and toppled the government of Aristide Briand. New leader Raymond Poincare declared Germany in default on its payments. France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr. Tried gain money by operating of the Ruhr’s mines and factories failed because of passive resistance by German workers. They gained little more than they had through normal means, and the occupation was costly.

The Cartel des Gauches (1924-1926) The Bloc National fell due to tax increases and the occupation. A Radical/Socialist coalition, the Cartel des Gauches gained control of the Chamber. Edouard Herriot became Premier. France’s economy was still plagued by a declining Franc. Herriot lost his office due to his lack of success with the French economy.

Briand, as Foreign Minister Briand, dominated French foreign policy until 1932. He pursued a policy of reconciliation with Germany and better relations with the U.S.S.R. France granted diplomatic recognition to Soviet Russia in 1924 but relations quickly got worse Inability to collect Czarist debt. The Soviet’s used of their Paris embassy for espionage activities.

The Union Nationale (1926-1928) By 1926 the declining franc was only worth one-tenth of its prewar value. Its fall caused a political crisis Consequently, Poincare returned and formed a Union National cabinet that had six former premiers in it. This move was backed by several different factions in France.

The Franc Issue To resolve the franc problem, the chamber granted Poincare special authority. Over the next two years, he dramatically raised taxes and was able to get money reinvested in government bonds or other areas of the economy. By 1928, the franc had risen to 20% of its prewar value, and Poincare was considered a financial miracle worker.

Post War England England had a set of problems unique to its status as a nation absolutely dependent upon trade and commerce for its economic well-being. They held the first parliamentary elections since 1910. The question of victory, the nature of the settlement with Germany, and the Prime Minister himself were the election's burning issues. Before the election was held, the People’s Act granted women over 30 the right to vote. George and his Conservative Party won by a landslide.

The Post War Economy England enjoyed a brief rise in economic production based on pre-war conditions. Tax increases and over production resulted in a severe recession by 1921. At the end 1920 almost 700,000 people were out of work In the first few months of 1221 it jumped to 2 million. Until the Depression, unemployment averaged 12%. Unemployment Insurance Acts of 1920 and 1922 and the construction of 200,000 subsidized housing units.

Politics (1922-1924) Conservatives withdrew from Lloyd George’s coalition due to unemployment. A series on men replaced him but continued unemployment and labor problems and a refusal to adopt more protectionist trade policies resulted in a Labour Party victory in 1923. Ramsey MacDonald became Prime Minister He and his party lasted nine months, and fell because he tried to establish formal ties with Russia.

Stanley Baldwin Stanley Baldwin and the Conservatives win will return in 1925. An economic turnaround would increases both wages and prices. Baldwin was able to control various labor strikes during the mid 20s. 1927 he supported the passage of the Trade Union Act, which outlawed various forms of strikes. Baldwin’s also passed social legislation such as the Widows’, Orphans, and Old Age Pensions Act in 1925. In foreign affairs, Baldwin cancelled the 1924 commercial agreement with the Soviet Union.

Ireland & the Colonies World War I had showed a new level of independence in the colonies & dominions Self-determinization was becoming popular in places like India while Canada and Australia were more than just new markets In Ireland during the war a revolt had occurred on Easter in 1916 The British executed the leaders which lead more popularity for the radical Sinn Fein This lead to a Declaration of Independence & formation of the Irish Republican Army The governments negotiated an agreement dividing Ireland but immediately after a civil war broke out in Ireland