28.2 Western Democracies Stumble What political and economic challenges did the Western world face in the 1920s and 1930s? How did various countries react to them?

Foreign Policy France Peace settlement caused friction in Europe France built Maginot Line, strengthened military Strict enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles

Foreign Policy Britain Britain wanted to relax harsh treatment of Germany, worried about France or Soviet Union becoming too strong

New Era of Peace? 1925 – Locarno treaties – settled border disputes pledged not to resort to force, demilitarization of the Rhineland 1928- Kellogg-Briand Pact – majority of nations signed to “renounce war as an instrument of national policy” (outlawed war) -disarmament (reduction of armed forces/weapons) Countries failed to agree on size of armies

Problems with the “Peace” Kellogg-Briand Pact had no way to enforce ban League of Nations is powerless -condemned Japanese invasion of Manchuria What would you think if you were an aspiring dictator?

Economic Problems Britain and France owed the United States Relied on reparations to pay back U.S. European economy is hurt Overproduction of goods in the U.S. (exceeds demands)

Great Depression 1929 – U.S. stock market collapsed America stops loaning money – hurts Britain, France, and Germany 1 in 4 were unemployed FDR in the United States creates the “New Deal” – increased Federal involvement 10:30

Democracy Stumbles Depression made citizens question democratic governments Inability to solve foreign policy issues and act strong on aggression further emboldened radicals