The 1927 World Economic Conference: Aspirations vs. Actions

This chapter explores the inaugural World Economic Conference in Geneva, where 50 nations sought solutions to post-WWI economic tensions. Despite initial optimism for international cooperation and trade promotion, the chapter illustrates the disparity between lofty goals and the reality of protectionist policies, particularly the impacts of the Fordney-McCumber Tariff and the subsequent Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in the U.S.