The Inter-war Period

When the 1st World War ended Europe was in a very bad situation. A new player was emerging: the United States of America.

The economic markets moved from Great Britain to the USA. LONDON -> NEW YORK.

In Europe recovery after the war was a long process with high unemployment rates and inflation in 1923 there was an increase in production and the situation was a little better.

During the 20th century the mass society started, in which the participation of public in politics through the media began. And the universal suffrage also took place.

Thanks to the improvement of the standard of living and the consumer society, the population’s diet improved as some houses started to have elevators, heating systems, bathroom fittings and electricity which were reserved for higher classes.

They started to spend their free-time in new forms of leisure such as cinema, sports and pop music.

In that time began the women’s emancipation and availability to vote.

And also they entered in the labor market.

The economic expansion of the 1920s (twenties) ended dramatically in 1929 with the Wall Street Crash. Their economic model collapsed and America (USA) lived one of its worst periods: The Depression.

This happened because people and companies were over-dependent on credits. Business asked for credits to increase production. Consumers asked for credits to buy goods and to invest in the Stock Exchange. When the model collapsed, business and individuals were ruined (they had no money).

The consequences were terrible inside and outside the United States. Millions were unemployed and without any social benefits.

Finally the government had to intervene. President Roosevelt introduced a plan called “The new Deal”. The plan combined social protection and the creation of jobs by public works projects.

After the 1st World War, the European countries began to be democratic and parliamentary. During the inter-war period there was a liberal democratic period and they were incapable of solving their problems.

On the one hand, the middle class followed the Soviet model with revolutionary positions. On the other hand, the middle-class was more ultranationalist and anticommunist.

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