RIIA press cuttings collection, 1924-1939

Catalogue record

Notes

The period between the first and second world wars was of immense importance in determining the shape of the modern international institutions of today, even when viewed from today's globalised perspective. This press cuttings collection from the Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA) covers the last sixteen years of inter-bellum (1919-1939), and therefore represents an essential resource for research into foreign relations between 1924 and 1939, beginning with the Golden Era of the Weimar Republic, then the global impact of the Great Depression which hit the United States late in 1929, the cross-border tremors in Europe caused by the rise of fascism, and the march to independence for the colonies of the British Empire, Belgium , France, Germany, Italy and Spain across Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The RIIA, also known as Chatham House, was established in 1920, shortly after World War I, to provide an independent forum for discussion, debate and research on current international issues. Its library was established a year later, rapidly becoming the principal library in the UK specialising in post-1918 international affairs. Then, in 1924 under the supervision of Dr Arnold Toynbee (1889-1975), staff of the RIIA began to select, index and cross-reference newspaper articles. Initially, the intention was solely to resource the Institute's annual Survey of International Affairs. However, as recognition of the historical value of collecting newspaper articles grew, the source base extended rapidly from 4 newspapers in 1924 to around 20 in 1939.
The collection includes all major aspects of international affairs, and how they affect all states, peoples and international organisations at both governmental and non-official levels in the spheres of politics, economics, finance, diplomacy, the law and, to a lesser extent, social and cultural aspects. In addition, the internal politics, economy and security considerations of all countries were also included to provide vital background and context to the conduct of their external relations.
Initially arranged in annual sequences by subject, the press cuttings were extensively edited for microfilming to make them more accessible to researchers. They were filmed in 3 date sequences: 1924-29 (128 reels), 1930-34 (182 reels) and 1935-39 (202 reels). Within each of these sequences the files are arranged alphabetically in the following groups:
1. Geographic/political areas: large entities such as the British Empire and the Far East; world and regional powers including Germany and the USA; individual states from Afghanistan to Zanzibar.
2. Great Britain: domestic political and economic affairs and all foreign relations with the countries and regions listed above.
3. International organisations such as the League of Nations and the Permanent Court of International Justice; all significant topics in international affairs of the period, including reparations and war debts, disarmament and refugees.
A comprehensive printed index, which can also be viewed online guide, was prepared for each date sequence giving the relevant subject heading and period indicating the microfilm reel and the section number.
The publication can be purchased in its entirety as a set, by any of the themed geographical, chronological or organisational subsets (to see these, click on the series link: 'RIIA press cuttings'), or as individual reels.