What was the primary purpose of the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference?

The primary purpose of the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference was to address and discuss the severe global economic crisis known as the Great Depression.

What were the alternative names for the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference?

The 1932 British Empire Economic Conference was also commonly referred to as the Imperial Economic Conference or the Ottawa Conference.

Where and when did the British Empire Economic Conference take place?

The conference was held in Ottawa, Canada, commencing on July 21, 1932, and concluding on August 18, 1932.

What major global economic challenge was the focus of the 1932 Ottawa Conference?

The conference's central focus was the profound economic difficulties and challenges presented by the Great Depression.

What significant decision was made regarding the gold standard at the conference?

At the conference, delegates officially acknowledged the failure of the gold standard and resolved to abandon any attempts to reinstate it.

What was the main trade policy objective established at the Ottawa Conference?

The primary trade policy objective was to create a preferential economic zone within the British Empire by establishing limited tariffs among member nations, while simultaneously imposing high tariffs on goods from countries outside the Empire.

What term was used to describe the preferential trade policy adopted by the British Empire at the conference?

The preferential trade policy adopted by the British Empire at the conference was known as "Imperial preference" or "Empire Free-Trade."

What was the underlying principle of "Imperial preference" as adopted at the conference?

The guiding principle of Imperial preference was to prioritize trade relationships in a specific order: first, favoring domestic producers; second, favoring empire producers; and third, treating foreign producers last.

What was the tangible outcome of the Ottawa Conference in terms of trade agreements?

The conference concluded with the establishment of a series of bilateral agreements between the participating nations, which were designed to remain in effect for a minimum of five years.

How did the shift away from open free trade at the Ottawa Conference affect the UK's coalition government?

The decision to move away from open free trade and implement Imperial preference led to a significant political division within the British National Government coalition.

Which factions within the UK government were affected by the policy shift, and what was the outcome?

The Official Liberals, led by Herbert Samuel, chose to leave the government in protest, while the National Liberals, under Sir John Simon, opted to remain part of the coalition.

What economic theories or ideas were notably adopted by the conference?

The conference is noted for its adoption of economic theories and ideas associated with Keynesian economics.

What specific Keynesian policies were embraced at the conference?

The Keynesian policies embraced at the conference included measures such as lowering interest rates, increasing the money supply, and expanding government spending.

Who hosted the British Empire Economic Conference, representing the monarch?

The conference was hosted by the Governor General of Canada, The Earl of Bessborough, who acted as the representative of King George V.

Who chaired the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference?

The 1932 British Empire Economic Conference was chaired by R. B. Bennett, who held the position of Prime Minister of Canada.

Which nine nations or territories were represented at the conference?

The nine nations and territories represented at the conference were Canada, Australia, India (British Raj), the Irish Free State, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Southern Rhodesia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

What was the portfolio of Stanley Bruce, the representative from Australia?

Stanley Bruce, the delegate from Australia, attended the conference in his capacity as Assistant Treasurer of Australia.

Who represented India at the conference, and in what capacity?

India was represented by Sir Atul Chandra Chatterjee, who served as the Viceroy's representative.

Who was the delegate from the Irish Free State, and what was their position?

The delegate from the Irish Free State was Seán T. O'Kelly, who held the position of Vice-President.

What role did Frederick C. Alderdice play at the conference?

Frederick C. Alderdice represented Newfoundland at the conference, serving as its Prime Minister.

Which minister represented New Zealand, and what were their responsibilities?

New Zealand was represented by Gordon Coates, who was the Minister of Public Works and also the Minister in charge of Unemployment.

Who was the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia at the time of the conference?

Howard Unwin Moffat, the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, represented his territory at the conference.

Which minister represented South Africa at the conference?

Nicolaas Havenga, the Finance Minister of South Africa, represented the Union of South Africa at the conference.

Who represented the United Kingdom at the conference?

The United Kingdom was represented by Stanley Baldwin, who held the position of Lord President of the Council.

What event immediately preceded the 1932 Imperial Economic Conference in the sequence of such meetings?

The 1930 Imperial Conference immediately preceded the 1932 Imperial Economic Conference.

What was the next Imperial Conference following the 1932 meeting?

The subsequent Imperial Conference after the 1932 meeting was held in 1937.

What does the image caption describe regarding a Canadian postage stamp?

The image caption describes a Canadian postage stamp issued in 1932 that features a special commemorative overprint to mark the occasion of the Ottawa Conference.

According to a 2024 study, what was the impact of the Ottawa agreement on Canada's trade policy?

A study published in 2024 found that the impact of the Ottawa agreement on Canada's trade policy was limited, primarily because Canada already had a highly protectionist trade policy in place.

What were the key points discussed or emphasized at the conference, as listed in the infobox?

As highlighted in the infobox, the key points emphasized at the conference were Imperial preference, tariffs, and monetary standards.

What was the venue for the main discussions of the conference?

The primary venue for the conference's discussions was the House of Commons chamber, located on Parliament Hill.

What is the significance of the "Import Duties Act 1932" in relation to the conference?

The Import Duties Act 1932 is listed as a related topic, suggesting its relevance to the conference's focus on trade policy and tariffs, likely reflecting legislative actions taken around that time.

What is the relationship between the British Empire Economic Conference and the broader Imperial Conferences?

The British Empire Economic Conference of 1932 is part of a historical series of Colonial and Imperial Conferences that served as forums for discussion and policy coordination among the territories of the British Empire.

What was the stated principle behind "Empire Free-Trade" as discussed at the conference?

The principle of "Empire Free-Trade" articulated at the conference prioritized trade relationships by placing "home producers first, empire producers second, and foreign producers last."

What was the duration of the bilateral agreements resulting from the Ottawa Conference?

The bilateral agreements that were established as a result of the Ottawa Conference were designed to remain in effect for a minimum period of five years.

What was the main consequence of abandoning open free trade for the UK's government structure?

The abandonment of open free trade and the adoption of Imperial preference policies led to a significant political consequence: a split within the United Kingdom's National Government coalition.

What specific economic ideas, associated with a particular economist, were adopted at the conference?

The conference notably adopted economic ideas that are associated with Keynesian economics.

Besides the main conference, what other related economic conference is mentioned in the navbox for Commonwealth meetings?

In addition to the 1932 conference, the navbox lists the 1952 Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Economic Conference as another related meeting in the sequence of Commonwealth gatherings.

What was the primary goal of establishing a zone of limited tariffs within the British Empire?

The primary goal was to foster preferential trade conditions among the British Empire's member nations, thereby encouraging trade within the Empire and shielding it from external competition.

How did the conference address the issue of the gold standard?

The conference addressed the gold standard by acknowledging its failure and formally deciding to cease all efforts aimed at its restoration.

What was the role of the Earl of Bessborough at the conference?

The Earl of Bessborough, serving as the Governor General of Canada, played the role of host for the conference, representing King George V.

What specific action did the Official Liberals take in response to the conference's trade policy decisions?

In response to the trade policy decisions made at the conference, the Official Liberals, led by Herbert Samuel, withdrew from the United Kingdom's National Government coalition.

What was the alternative name for the 1932 British Empire Economic Conference that specifically referenced its location?

The 1932 British Empire Economic Conference was also commonly known by the name of its host city, the Ottawa Conference.

What was the significance of the bilateral agreements reached at the conference?

The bilateral agreements reached at the conference were significant as they formalized the preferential trade arrangements and were intended to provide stability by lasting for at least five years.

How did the conference's trade policy differ from previous approaches?

The conference marked a departure from previous policies by abandoning open free trade in favor of a system of Imperial preference, which involved implementing preferential tariffs exclusively within the British Empire.

What was the general timeframe for the conference's proceedings?

The conference proceedings spanned a period of nearly a month, taking place from July 21 to August 18, 1932.

What specific economic actions did the conference endorse as part of its Keynesian approach?

As part of its embrace of Keynesian economics, the conference endorsed specific actions such as lowering interest rates, increasing the money supply, and expanding government spending.

What does the inclusion of the "Import Duties Act 1932" suggest about the conference's focus?

The mention of the "Import Duties Act 1932" suggests that the conference was heavily focused on trade policy, particularly concerning the implementation or discussion of tariffs, likely reflecting legislative actions taken around that time.

How did the conference's outcome impact the UK's political landscape at the time?

The outcome of the conference had a direct impact on the UK's political landscape by causing a split within the ruling National Government coalition, leading to the departure of the Official Liberals.

What was the significance of the conference in the context of interwar economic policy?

The conference was significant in the context of interwar economic policy as it represented a major shift for the British Empire, moving away from open free trade towards protectionist measures and preferential trade agreements during a period of global economic instability.

What was the role of the "home producers" in the principle of Imperial preference?

Under the principle of Imperial preference, "home producers" were given the highest priority, meaning they were favored first in trade considerations.

What was the relationship between the conference and the "Ottawa Treaty"?

The conference is distinct from the "Ottawa Treaty," as indicated by a note clarifying that it is not to be confused with that separate agreement.

British Empire Economic Conference Wiki: The Ottawa Accord: Forging Empire Trade in a Global Crisis

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Conference Overview

A Response to Global Crisis

The British Empire Economic Conference, commonly referred to as the Ottawa Conference, convened in 1932 as a direct response to the severe global economic downturn of the Great Depression. Representatives from across the British Empire gathered to address the economic challenges and explore avenues for mutual support and trade revitalization.

Venue and Context

The conference was held in Ottawa, Canada, between July 21 and August 18, 1932. The primary venue was the House of Commons chamber on Parliament Hill, providing a significant backdrop for discussions on economic policy and inter-imperial relations.

Noteworthy Distinction

It is important to distinguish this conference from the Ottawa Treaty, a separate international agreement concerning landmines. (opens in new tab) This conference focused specifically on economic matters within the British Empire.

Conference Logistics

Dates and Location

The conference officially took place from July 21, 1932, to August 18, 1932. The host country was Canada, with all sessions held in the capital city of Ottawa.

Key Venues

The deliberations and formal sessions were primarily conducted within the historic chambers of the House of Commons of Canada, situated on Parliament Hill.

Participants

The conference involved delegates from nine distinct entities within the British Empire, representing a significant gathering of political and economic leadership.

Heads of Delegations

Imperial Leadership

The conference brought together key figures from across the Empire. The following table details the nations represented and their principal delegates:

Nation	Delegate	Role
Canada	R. B. Bennett	Prime Minister (Chairman)
Australia	Stanley Bruce	Assistant Treasurer of Australia
India	Sir Atul Chandra Chatterjee	Viceroy's representative
Irish Free State	Seán T. O'Kelly	Vice-President
Newfoundland	Frederick C. Alderdice	Prime Minister
New Zealand	Gordon Coates	Minister of Public Works, Minister in charge of Unemployment
Southern Rhodesia	Howard Unwin Moffat	Prime Minister
South Africa	Nicolaas Havenga	Finance Minister
United Kingdom	Stanley Baldwin	Lord President of the Council

Key Agreements & Outcomes

Imperial Preference Tariffs

A central outcome was the establishment of a system of Imperial preference. This policy aimed to create a preferential trade zone within the British Empire by implementing higher tariffs on goods from outside the Empire while lowering or eliminating tariffs on goods traded among member nations. The principle was articulated as "home producers first, empire producers second, and foreign producers last."^[1]

Abandoning the Gold Standard

The conference acknowledged the failure of the gold standard and formally abandoned attempts to return to it. This move provided greater flexibility in monetary policy for member nations during the economic crisis.

Bilateral Agreements

The conference resulted in a series of bilateral trade agreements between the United Kingdom and its dominions and colonies. These agreements were designed to last for a minimum of five years, providing a framework for inter-imperial trade relations.

Political Realignment

The shift towards protectionist policies, particularly the abandonment of open free trade, led to a significant political development in the United Kingdom. The Official Liberals, led by Herbert Samuel, withdrew from the National Government coalition, while the National Liberals under Sir John Simon remained.

Economic Principles & Impact

Keynesian Influences

Notably, the conference embraced certain economic principles that foreshadowed Keynesian economics. These included recommendations for lowering interest rates, increasing the money supply, and expanding government spending as measures to stimulate economic recovery.

Impact on Canada

A 2024 study suggests that the impact of the Ottawa agreements on Canada's trade policy was relatively limited. This is attributed to Canada's already established highly protectionist trade stance prior to the conference, meaning the new agreements did not drastically alter its existing economic orientation.^[2]

Historical Context

A Series of Imperial Gatherings

The 1932 conference was part of a long-standing tradition of Imperial Conferences, which served as forums for discussion and coordination among the self-governing dominions and the United Kingdom. It followed the 1930 Imperial Conference and preceded the 1937 Imperial Conference, each addressing evolving relationships and economic strategies within the Empire.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "British Empire Economic Conference" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about british_empire_economic_conference while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

neo-theosophy

georg groddeck

australian rules football

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the British Empire Economic Conference Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not capture the full nuance or complexity of the historical events discussed. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, it is not a substitute for scholarly research or expert historical analysis.

This is not economic or historical advice. The information presented here should not be considered definitive guidance for economic policy, historical interpretation, or investment decisions. Always consult primary sources, peer-reviewed historical literature, and qualified economic advisors for comprehensive understanding and decision-making.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Ottawa Accord

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Conference Overview 🌍

🤝 A Response to Global Crisis

🏛️ Venue and Context

📜 Noteworthy Distinction

Conference Logistics 📅

🗓️ Dates and Location

📍 Key Venues

👥 Participants

Heads of Delegations 👥

👑 Imperial Leadership

Key Agreements & Outcomes 📜

📈 Imperial Preference Tariffs

💰 Abandoning the Gold Standard

🤝 Bilateral Agreements

⚖️ Political Realignment

Economic Principles & Impact 💰

💡 Keynesian Influences

🇨🇦 Impact on Canada

Historical Context ⏳

🏛️ A Series of Imperial Gatherings

🔗 Related Topics

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Conference Overview

A Response to Global Crisis

Venue and Context

Noteworthy Distinction

Conference Logistics

Dates and Location

Key Venues

Participants

Heads of Delegations

Imperial Leadership

Key Agreements & Outcomes

Imperial Preference Tariffs

Abandoning the Gold Standard

Bilateral Agreements

Political Realignment

Economic Principles & Impact

Keynesian Influences

Impact on Canada

Historical Context

A Series of Imperial Gatherings

Related Topics

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice