The Decline of International Cooperation

What was the decline of international cooperation?

The 1920s was an exciting time both domestically and internationally. Nations worked together to make sure that the 'good times' did not end. In the 1930s they turned away from each other, and there was a decline in international co-operation.

When was there a decline in international cooperation?

This decline in international cooperation between countries happened in the 1930s.

Why was there a decline in international cooperation?

There were a number of causes that caused a decline in international co-operation between countries, mostly triggered by the Wall Street Crash in 1929:

• ❖ When the American economy collapsed after the Wall Street crash, this had huge implications for the rest of the world.
• ❖ Many nations faced economic depressions and, as a result were too busy dealing with their own domestic problems to worry about international co-operation.
• ❖ People lost faith in their governments and looked for strong leaders who promised to help their countries recover.
• ❖ Leaders like Hitler and Mussolini pledged successes in wars overseas to restore national pride. As a result, these countries turned their back on international co-operation.

What was the impact of a decline in international cooperation on the League of Nations?

The impact of the decline in international cooperation on the League of Nations was two-fold:

• ❖ First, there were a number of leaders not interested in international cooperation, and their foreign policy became increasingly aggressive.
• ❖ Second, this meant that there was a greater need for the League, but due to the effects of the depression, nations didn't want the expense of a war or to use the economic sanctions the League could impose as it might affect trade.