The period from 1919 to 1933 was marked by significant political, economic, and social upheaval as the world grappled with the aftermath of World War I and the challenges of creating a new international order. The Treaty of Versailles, signed in 1919, sought to bring a lasting peace but instead sowed the seeds of further conflict by imposing harsh penalties on Germany and redrawing the map of Europe. The League of Nations, established to prevent future wars and promote international cooperation, struggled to maintain peace amid rising nationalism and the emergence of totalitarian regimes.

This era also witnessed profound economic changes, most notably the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and had devastating effects worldwide. The economic collapse exacerbated existing tensions, leading to political instability and the rise of extremist movements in many countries. In Europe, the failure of democratic governments to address these crises contributed to the rise of fascism in Italy and Nazism in Germany, setting the stage for the aggressive expansionism that would lead to World War II.

In the United States, the 1920s were characterized by economic prosperity and cultural change, often referred to as the "Roaring Twenties," but this period of growth came to a sudden end with the stock market crash of 1929. The ensuing economic depression had global repercussions, deepening political and social unrest across the world.

Internationally, the interwar period was marked by attempts at diplomacy and disarmament, such as the Washington Naval Conference and the Kellogg-Briand Pact, but these efforts were ultimately unable to prevent the slide towards global conflict. The ideological battles of the time — between democracy, fascism, communism, and other forms of authoritarianism — played out not only in Europe but also in Asia, where Japan pursued imperial expansion at the expense of its neighbours.

Diplomatic Efforts

1. Establishment of the League of Nations

The League of Nations was founded in 1920 as a key component of the Treaty of Versailles, with the primary goal of maintaining global peace and preventing future conflicts. The League was the first international organization to provide a forum for countries to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than war. It sought to address various global issues, including disarmament, labour rights, health, and the protection of minorities. The League’s structure included an Assembly, where all member states were represented; a Council, which included major powers and smaller rotating members; and a Secretariat to handle administrative functions. Specialized agencies, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Health Organization, were established to focus on specific issues.