Gold Standard Fall

The book meticulously dissects the economic pressures within the U.S. during the Great Depression, which led President Roosevelt to sever the dollar's tie to gold. One key insight is how this decision fostered economic nationalism and contributed to a more volatile global financial system. By using macroeconomic data, policy documents, and contemporary accounts, the book challenges conventional narratives about the gold standard's demise, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. policy.

Structured in three parts, the book begins by introducing the gold standard and its history, then analyzes the factors influencing the U.S. decision and its immediate impact, and finally, examines the long-term consequences. It draws on primary sources like government documents and central bank records, along with quantitative analysis of trade flows and economic growth, to provide a comprehensive understanding of this critical turning point in economic history.