The Great Depression undermined international cooperation as countries became more self-interested and erected trade barriers in the form of tariffs. This rise in protectionism, along with increased nationalism in Germany, Italy, and Japan, resentment of colonial powers like Britain and France, and political instability contributed to social unrest and a rise in extremism. Democracies cut defense spending while authoritarian regimes increased spending on arms, weakening international stability.

1. THE INTERNATIONAL
EFFECTS OF THE GREAT
DEPRESSION

2. International cooperation was
undermined as
countries became
more selfinterested.
●

3. Countries started
putting tariffs on
foreign goods to
protect their own
industries:
Protectionism
●

4. Countries like
Germany, Italy and
Japan resented the
empires of Britain
and France and
wanted ones of
their own.
●

5. Britain concentrated
on her empire and
wanted to avoid the
danger of conflict
with Germany and
Japan at the same
time
●

6. France and Spain
became socially
and politically
divided between
the right & left.
●

7. Increased
isolationism from
USA as she
concentrated on
rebuilding her
economy
●

8. Social unrest in
many countries
because of mass
unemployment and
suffering
●

9. Many countries
tried to become
self-sufficient and
rely less on trading
with other nations.
●

10. Defence spending
Democracies like
France and Britain
cut expenditure on
defence and
armaments.
●Germany, Italy and
Japan spent more
on arms.
●

11. Rise of extremist
political parties –
both fascist and
communist. The
collapse of
democratic
governments in
Germany and Spain.
●

12. Without US
support, France &
Britain became
more cautious
towards dictators
like Hitler and
Mussolini.
●