“The Great Depression caused the collapse of collective security.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that the Great Depression was the reason for the end of collective security. Some may argue that collective security was undermined by the weakness of the League of Nations and the willingness of powers such as Britain and France to act independently of the League. Candidates could also focus on the impact of the Great Depression on international relations in the 1930s. Candidates may argue that the Depression contributed to the rise of Hitler and German nationalism. Nations increasingly followed economic protectionist policies and became more nationalistic. They were unwilling to act collectively in a crisis (Manchuria, Abyssinia) and the League lost credibility. This change can be linked directly to the Depression. It could also be argued that major powers such as Britain and France were focused on internal consequences of the Depression and were too weak financially to support collective action. Both Britain and France were facing major discontent within their empires (Egypt, India and Indo-China) and were less willing to maintain collective security. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions should be clearly stated and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Great Depression caused the collapse of collective security. This was a popular question. Many good responses were seen with knowledge of the impact of the Great Depression on collective security. In addition, many candidates also took the opportunity to challenge the question and point out other factors which led to the collapse of collective security, for example the general weaknesses of the League of Nations. Weaker candidates tended to give narrative of events in the 1930s with limited links to the question.