What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Interwar Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization
Challenging the standard narrative of Interwar International History, this account establishes the causal relationship between the global political and economic crises of the period, and offers a radically new look at the role of ideology, racism and the leading liberal powers in the events between the First and Second World Wars.
- GenresHistory
622 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2009
About the author
Robert W. D. Boyce
6 booksRobert William Dewar Boyce was a Senior Lecturer in International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Boyce earned his BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, his MA from the Institute of United States Studies, and his PhD from the London School of Economics. After completing his PhD, he was a Research Associate at the LSE Centre for International Studies before joining the Department of International History as a lecturer in 1977. He has been a visiting professor at the University of Toronto and the University of Paris IV: Paris-Sorbonne.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 23, 2013
Some awesome historical shit here, suckahs. Boyce's work is a massive revision of the economic and political crises of the 1920s and 1930s and shows how the two can't be separated. Due blame is placed on England and the United States for acting all protectionist and shit while generally making increasingly poor decisions that made things worse. Complex muthafuckin' shit heah, mhmm.
January 13, 2026
The Great War Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization by Robert Boyce
In The Great War Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization, Boyce offers an insightful analysis of the economic struggles tied to globalism before and after World War I. The book intricately weaves together monetary and economic issues, emphasizing the complex relationships among major powers during this tumultuous period.
Key Themes and Arguments
Boyce's exploration is anchored in several critical themes:
1. Anglo-Saxon Affiliation: He discusses the historical ties between Britain and Germany, noting the difficulty Britain faced in allying with France, its traditional rival.
2. France's Unique Position: Boyce highlights France's balanced economy, incorporating both agriculture and manufacturing, which set it apart from other European nations.
3. American Influence: The United States emerges as a dominant force during this period, with significant implications for international relations and economic policies. Boyce critiques American politicians, suggesting they were out of touch with the realities of the post-war landscape.
Economic Insights
Boyce provides compelling charts (notably on page 53) that illustrate the loss of territory resulting from peace negotiations, emphasizing the profound economic consequences of the war. He details the negotiations surrounding reparations, initially estimated by Lloyd George at £3 billion but later skyrocketing to £25 billion, highlighting the challenges of addressing war damages and the welfare of the wounded and widows.
Isolationism in America
A recurring theme in the book is the isolationist sentiment in America, even as President Wilson proclaimed a new global role for the country. Boyce notes that Congress and the general population were resistant to this vision, culminating in the Senate’s rejection of the Versailles Treaty in 1919, reflecting the enduring strength of isolationism.
Race and Diplomacy
Race played a critical role in diplomatic discussions of the time, with Anglo-Saxonism influencing international relations. Boyce notes that even opponents of racial discussions acknowledged race as a foundational element in politics and diplomacy.
The Dawes Plan and Economic Recovery
Boyce thoroughly examines the Dawes Plan and its role in European recovery, noting how it involved American financial institutions and shaped post-war economic policies. He highlights that by the late 1920s, the French economy outperformed British and German economies, prompting a call for European economic unity to compete with the United States.
Conclusion
Boyce's narrative effectively combines political, diplomatic, and economic aspects to illustrate the profound impact of World War I on globalization. He argues that the retreat to protectionism among Anglo-Saxon powers and the ensuing conflicts laid the groundwork for future crises, including the rise of fascism and the second world war.
While the book offers a robust analysis of the period, it could benefit from more exploration of the long-term implications of these historical events on modern globalization. Nevertheless, The Great War Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate interplay of politics and economics in shaping the contemporary world order.
In The Great War Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization, Boyce offers an insightful analysis of the economic struggles tied to globalism before and after World War I. The book intricately weaves together monetary and economic issues, emphasizing the complex relationships among major powers during this tumultuous period.
Key Themes and Arguments
Boyce's exploration is anchored in several critical themes:
1. Anglo-Saxon Affiliation: He discusses the historical ties between Britain and Germany, noting the difficulty Britain faced in allying with France, its traditional rival.
2. France's Unique Position: Boyce highlights France's balanced economy, incorporating both agriculture and manufacturing, which set it apart from other European nations.
3. American Influence: The United States emerges as a dominant force during this period, with significant implications for international relations and economic policies. Boyce critiques American politicians, suggesting they were out of touch with the realities of the post-war landscape.
Economic Insights
Boyce provides compelling charts (notably on page 53) that illustrate the loss of territory resulting from peace negotiations, emphasizing the profound economic consequences of the war. He details the negotiations surrounding reparations, initially estimated by Lloyd George at £3 billion but later skyrocketing to £25 billion, highlighting the challenges of addressing war damages and the welfare of the wounded and widows.
Isolationism in America
A recurring theme in the book is the isolationist sentiment in America, even as President Wilson proclaimed a new global role for the country. Boyce notes that Congress and the general population were resistant to this vision, culminating in the Senate’s rejection of the Versailles Treaty in 1919, reflecting the enduring strength of isolationism.
Race and Diplomacy
Race played a critical role in diplomatic discussions of the time, with Anglo-Saxonism influencing international relations. Boyce notes that even opponents of racial discussions acknowledged race as a foundational element in politics and diplomacy.
The Dawes Plan and Economic Recovery
Boyce thoroughly examines the Dawes Plan and its role in European recovery, noting how it involved American financial institutions and shaped post-war economic policies. He highlights that by the late 1920s, the French economy outperformed British and German economies, prompting a call for European economic unity to compete with the United States.
Conclusion
Boyce's narrative effectively combines political, diplomatic, and economic aspects to illustrate the profound impact of World War I on globalization. He argues that the retreat to protectionism among Anglo-Saxon powers and the ensuing conflicts laid the groundwork for future crises, including the rise of fascism and the second world war.
While the book offers a robust analysis of the period, it could benefit from more exploration of the long-term implications of these historical events on modern globalization. Nevertheless, The Great War Crisis and the Collapse of Globalization is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate interplay of politics and economics in shaping the contemporary world order.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews