Policy Responses to the Interwar Economic Crisis: Contending Ideas of the Economy

This book explores the national economic policy responses to the Great Depression of the interwar period, highlighting the differences between liberal and conservative approaches and the influence of ideas held by rulers on policy variation across nations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the intricate responses of national economic policies to the profound challenges posed by the Great Depression of the interwar period. Starting from a generally liberal stance in the 1920s, states exhibited a remarkable diversity in their approaches, ranging from audacious endeavors to conservative retrenchments. Within these two groups, there existed further distinctions in both the degree and nature of their responses. The book skillfully weaves together this complex tapestry, providing a structured framework that identifies overarching policy patterns (paradigms). At the same time, it offers an insightful explanation that emphasizes the ideological orientations of policy actors while acknowledging the contextual constraints that shape their actions.

In a more specific vein, the book argues that the ideas held by rulers and the strategies they subsequently devised concerning three critical stakeholder groups—business, labor, and, most importantly, agrarians—played a paramount role in shaping the diverse economic policies across nations. These ideas, deeply ingrained in the minds of decision-makers, guided their approaches to economic challenges and opportunities, ultimately influencing the trajectory of economic development during this pivotal period.

Through a comprehensive examination of historical events, policy decisions, and the interplay of ideologies, this book sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped national economic policies during the Great Depression. It offers valuable insights into the factors that influenced decision-making processes, the challenges faced by policymakers, and the enduring legacies of these policies for subsequent generations. By exploring the interplay between ideas, institutions, and societal dynamics, this book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the economic policy responses to the Great Depression, contributing to our broader understanding of economic history and policymaking.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030969554
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022