Which policy did the US adopt as a result of the Great Depression?

Enhance your knowledge for the IGCSE History exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Prepare effectively for your test!

The choice of imposing tariffs on imported goods as a policy adopted by the US during the Great Depression is significant because it reflects the nation's attempt to protect domestic industries and jobs in the face of economic downturn. In 1930, the US enacted the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, which raised tariffs on a wide range of imported goods. The rationale behind this was that by making foreign goods more expensive, consumers would be encouraged to buy domestically produced products, thus stimulating the economy and protecting local jobs.

This policy, however, had mixed results. While it aimed to support American businesses, it also led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, which further exacerbated the global economic situation. Nonetheless, the key aspect of this answer is that it illustrates the isolationist tendencies of the US during the Depression, as the government sought to shield the domestic economy rather than engage in strategies that promoted international trade or cooperation.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately represent the US policy environment during the Great Depression. Increased foreign aid to Europe is not reflective of the domestic struggles the US faced at the time. Promoting international trade would contradict the protective measures of high tariffs. Lastly, joining international military alliances was not a focus during the economic crisis, as

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