Exam 43: A Fragile Balance: Europe in the Twenties

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During the inter-war years, Western liberal democracies were motivated by a number of considerations. Firstly, the devastation of World War I had left a deep impact on these countries, leading to a desire to avoid another large-scale conflict. This desire for peace and stability influenced their foreign policy decisions, as they sought to prevent the rise of aggressive and expansionist powers.

Additionally, the economic turmoil of the inter-war years, including the Great Depression, led Western liberal democracies to focus on rebuilding their economies and ensuring their own prosperity. This economic motivation played a significant role in shaping their foreign policy, as they sought to secure access to markets and resources to support their recovery.

The fear of communism also had a significant impact on the foreign policy of Western liberal democracies during this period. The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent spread of communist ideology across Europe and beyond led to a deep-seated fear of the potential threat posed by communist movements. This fear influenced their foreign policy decisions, leading to efforts to contain and counter the spread of communism through diplomatic, economic, and military means.

This fear of communism also led to a reluctance to support revolutionary or radical movements in other countries, as Western liberal democracies sought to prevent the spread of communist ideology and maintain stability in the face of perceived internal and external threats.

In conclusion, the considerations motivating Western liberal democracies during the inter-war years were driven by a desire for peace, stability, and economic prosperity, as well as a fear of the spread of communism. These motivations shaped their foreign policy decisions and led to a cautious and sometimes interventionist approach to international affairs during this period.