Post War Europe
Generation of Europeans killed or wounded Collapse of dynasties Effects of WWI Generation of Europeans killed or wounded Collapse of dynasties Increase in democratic governments Economic instability Many nations feel betrayed by peace settlements
Instability of New Democracies Lacked democratic tradition Little experience with representative government Countries had large #’s of political parties Hard to gain majority Weak Coalition governments form alliance of political parties
Impossible to develop strong leadership People willing to sacrifice democracy for strong totalitarian leaders Russia, Italy, Germany
Democratic government formed in Germany (1919) The Weimar Republic Democratic government formed in Germany (1919) Blamed for defeat and humiliation following WWI Treaty of Versailles Overburdened by economic hardship Severe inflation caused by devaluation of currency Unemployment
Life in the Weimar Republic
Reparations (33Billion) France occupies Ruhr Valley when Germany fails to pay The Dawes plan (1924) $ 200 million loan from US banks Eases reparations schedule Helps improve German economy
Attempts @ a lasting Peace League of Nations Peace through diplomacy Locarno Pact (1925) Germany & France pledge to never again wage war Germany admitted to League of Nations
3. Kellogg-Briand Pact(1928) Most nations renounce war as an instrument of national policy All three prove unrealistic No way of enforcing decisions
Less demand for raw materials The Great Depression Background causes Less demand for raw materials Overproduction of goods while demand fell Huge war debts Interdependence European reliance on American loans
Immediate Cause New York Stock Market crash of 1929 Stocks become worthless Millions lose life savings unemployment sky rockets Repercussions felt worldwide
Worldwide unemployment & misery A Global Depression Worldwide unemployment & misery American banks demand repayment of foreign loans Banks & businesses fail Economic nationalism Countries imposed high tariffs to protect industry World trade drops 65 %
Bread lines
Political Results of the Great Depression Citizens lose faith in capitalism & democracy Nations turn towards totalitarian leadership