1. Western Democracies Stumble
CH. 13.2

2. Politics in the Postwar World
Post WWI
Europe faced economic instability as jobs were scarce & cities were ravaged
These factors led to political unrest
Britain
faced party unrest, growing socialism and Irish independence
France
Political divisions and financial scandals plagued the government
U.S.
not affected as much economically
Red Scare
uneasy about the radical ideas immigrants might bring in,
limited immigration from Europe & begins a policy of isolationism

3. Post War foreign policy
Arguing Allies
Peace seemed fragile
France wanted to weaken Germany by enforcing the Treaty of Versailles
Maginot line-France built fortifications along the border of Germany
They strengthened their military and sought alliances.
Britain wanted to lesson the treaty’s effect on Germany

4. Post War foreign policy
The Search for Peace
Several European nations sign peace treaties during the 1920’s
Kellog-Braind Pact
Sponsored by the U.S.
promising to renounce war as a national policy
Almost every independent nation signed the agreement
League’s weakness
League of Nations worked toward stopping aggression
dictators took note of it’s inability to stop aggression around the world

6. Postwar Economics Europe Struggles U.S. emerged as the economic leader
Europe struggled to return to a steady peacetime economy
U.S. emerged as the economic leader
Affluent U.S bolstered Europe’s recovery
The Great Depression
The U.S. stock market crashed in 1929, ushering in the Great Depression
This was a global economic crisis that closed businesses and left behind many jobless, homeless, starving people

7. The Democracies React to the Depression
Democracies respond
The governments of Britain, France, and the United States struggled to help their people
Political radicals gained ground during this difficult time
Loss of faith in Democracy
As the Depression wore on, many people lost faith in the ability of democratic governments to solve problems
Democracies React to the Depression
Britain, France, and the United States struggled to help their people
President Roosevelt's new deal programs went a long way toward helping suffering Americans