Why the French Said ‘Non’: A New Perspective on the Hoover Moratorium of June 1931

• Published in: Journal of contemporary history 2021-10, Vol.56 (4), p.1040-1060
• Main Authors: Banholzer, Simon, Straumann, Tobias
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cooperation; Currency instability; Customs unions; Economic crisis; Elections; Endorsements; Evacuation; Financial systems; Money; Policy making; Politicians; Public finance
• ISSN: 0022-0094; 1461-7250
• DOI: 10.1177/0022009420949924

Why did the French government delay its endorsement of the Hoover Moratorium in the summer of 1931? Key policymakers were fully aware that their stance would exacerbate the German financial crisis, which ultimately dragged the European economy into the abyss. Most historical accounts identify the plan for an Austro-German customs union, which became known publicly in March 1931, as a major cause for the French ‘non’. We suggest a different chronology by showing that the French government was reluctant to help Germany as early as the fall of 1930 when, in the wake of the Nazi victory in the Reichstag elections, a currency crisis threatened to ruin the German monetary and financial system and bring down the government. We also argue that the reason for this French reluctance to extend financial help to Germany was the traumatic experience resulting from the evacuation of the Rhineland in June 1930. This chauvinistic outburst in Germany not only frightened the French public, but also made it clear to French politicians how the lack of military cooperation with the Anglo-Saxon powers had made France highly vulnerable on its Eastern front. After June 1930 a financial bargain with Germany became unrealistic, due to domestic opposition.