Instability After WWI

Front

What was one of the main reasons the League of Nations was ineffective in maintaining peace after World War I?

Back

The United States did not join the League.

Answer explanation

The United States did not join the League, which weakened its authority and ability to enforce decisions. Without the support of a major power, the League struggled to maintain peace effectively.

Front

How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to future conflicts in Europe?

Back

It imposed harsh reparations on Germany.

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh reparations on Germany, leading to economic hardship and resentment. This created a fertile ground for future conflicts, including the rise of extremist movements and ultimately World War II.

Front

Explain the impact of the Dawes Plan on Germany's economy.

Back

It reduced reparations and provided loans for recovery.

Answer explanation

The Dawes Plan reduced Germany's reparations and provided loans, stabilizing its economy after World War I. This financial support helped Germany recover from economic turmoil, making the correct choice "It reduced reparations and provided loans for recovery."

Front

What was the significance of the Treaty of Locarno in 1925?

Back

It guaranteed Germany's new western borders with France and Belgium.

Answer explanation

The Treaty of Locarno in 1925 was significant because it guaranteed Germany's new western borders with France and Belgium, promoting stability in Europe and reducing tensions after World War I.

Front

Analyze the role of the U.S. stock market crash in the onset of the Great Depression.

Back

It caused a financial crisis that affected global economies.

Answer explanation

The U.S. stock market crash of 1929 triggered a financial crisis, leading to bank failures and reduced consumer spending, which in turn affected global economies, making this choice the correct answer.

Front

What was one of the main economic effects of the Great Depression in Europe?

Back

Rising unemployment rates.

Answer explanation

One of the main economic effects of the Great Depression in Europe was rising unemployment rates, as businesses closed and production slowed, leading to significant job losses across various sectors.

Front

Evaluate the political impact of the Great Depression on European governments.

Back

It led to increased support for dictatorial regimes.

Answer explanation

The Great Depression caused economic turmoil, leading many Europeans to seek stability in dictatorial regimes, as seen in countries like Germany and Italy, where authoritarian leaders gained support by promising recovery and order.

Front

What was the purpose of the Kellogg-Briand Pact?

Back

To renounce war as an instrument of national policy.

Answer explanation

The Kellogg-Briand Pact aimed to renounce war as a means of national policy, promoting peaceful resolutions instead. This distinguishes it from trade agreements, military alliances, or enforcement of the Treaty of Versailles.

Front

Discuss the consequences of the French occupation of the Ruhr Valley on Germany's economy.

Back

It led to hyperinflation in Germany.

Answer explanation

The French occupation of the Ruhr Valley in 1923 led to widespread strikes and a collapse in industrial production, causing the government to print more money to support striking workers, which ultimately resulted in hyperinflation in Germany.

Front

How did the economic downturns in the late 1920s contribute to the Great Depression?

Back

They caused a slump in the coal industry.

Answer explanation

The economic downturns in the late 1920s caused a slump in the coal industry, which was a significant sector. This decline contributed to widespread unemployment and reduced consumer spending, exacerbating the Great Depression.