Politics in the Postwar World

After the war, Europe faced economic instability as jobs were scarce and cities were ravaged.

These factors led to political unrest. The U.S. was not affected so much economically, but was

uneasy about the radical ideas immigrants might bring in, so it limited immigration from Europe.

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The Rise of TotalitarianismSection 2: The Western Democracies Stumble

Witness History Audio: Brother Can You Spare a Dime?

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Postwar Foreign Policy

Peace seemed fragile after the war. France wanted to weaken Germany by enforcing the Treaty

of Versailles, while Britain wanted to lesson the treaty’s effect on Germany. Many countries

agreed to reduce their navies, and the League of Nations worked toward stopping aggression.

Yet when Japan was allowed to invade Manchuria, other dictators took note.

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Postwar Economics

While Europe struggled to return to a steady peacetime economy, the U.S. emerged as the

economic leader. Affluent America 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.

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Witness History Video: The Great Depression and American Farmers

The Democracies React to the Depression

The governments of 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. Political radicals gained ground during this difficult time.

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Color Transparency 169: WPA Mural

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Progress Monitoring Transparency

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