The Depression and its impact on international relations: the failures of the Lausanne and London Conferences on international debts and reparations
The Great Depression wrecked the global economy after 1929. Countries tried to fix the crisis together at two major conferences, but both failed completely.
Real World
At the 1933 London Economic Conference, US President Roosevelt refused to stabilise the dollar internationally, effectively killing any coordinated response to the Depression; this triggered competitive currency devaluations and trade tariffs that deepened the global slump and pushed governments toward economic nationalism.
Exam Focus
Explain why both conferences failed by naming the specific national interest that blocked agreement — generic statements about 'countries disagreeing' will not score highly.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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