Question

Why did the United States have to devalue its dollar in 1971 and again in 1973 ?

Short answer

The United States had to devalue its dollar in 1971 and 1973 primarily due to the collapse of the Bretton Woods system and the need to address its balance of payment and trade imbalance issues. The Bretton Woods system established fixed exchange rates, pegging other currencies to the US dollar and the dollar to gold. However, it faced challenges including the increasing US fiscal and trade deficits, a rising demand for gold, and the decrease in US economic strength. The 1971 devaluation, known as the Nixon Shock, involved suspending the convertibility of the US dollar into gold and implementing policies to reduce trade imbalances and curb inflation. The 1973 devaluation aimed to stimulate the economy and improve the balance of payments. These devaluations contributed to the decline of the US dollar's dominance and led to the era of floating exchange rates.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Bretton Woods System

The Bretton Woods system was established in 1944, creating a fixed exchange rate regime, where the value of each country's currency was pegged to the US dollar. The US dollar was in turn pegged to gold at a value of 35 dollars per ounce. This system aimed to promote international trade, economic growth, and stability following World War II.

Causes of the Collapse of the Bretton Woods System

Over time, the system began to face numerous challenges, including: 1. The increasing US balance of payment deficits, driven by its growing fiscal deficit and trade deficit. 2. The increasing amount of US dollars held outside the country, which led to a rising demand for gold. 3. Some major economies started to recover after World War II, leading to a decrease in the US's relative economic strength.

The 1971 Devaluation

In response to these challenges and pressures, President Richard Nixon took the following actions in August 1971, which was also known as the "Nixon Shock". 1. Suspended the convertibility of the US dollar into gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system. 2. Implemented a 10% surcharge on imports to reduce trade imbalance and protect domestic industries. 3. Imposed wage and price controls to curb inflation. As the Bretton Woods system collapsed, the US dollar was devalued to help address the balance of payment issues, as well as to reduce its trade deficit.

The 1973 Devaluation

In February 1973, the US devalued its dollar again, this time by 10%. This devaluation aimed to stimulate the economy by making exports cheaper and imports more expensive, thus improving its balance of payments position. This event marked the beginning of the era of floating exchange rates, as countries abandoned the fixed exchange rate regime and allowed their currencies to find their market value.

Implications of the Devaluations

Devaluing the US dollar had both short-term and long-term consequences: 1. Short-term: It improved the balance of payments position and encouraged export-led growth 2. Long-term: It contributed to the decline of the US dollar's dominance in the global financial system, and eventually led to the erosion of international monetary cooperation. In conclusion, the main reasons the United States had to devalue its dollar in 1971 and 1973 were the collapse of the Bretton Woods system and the need to address its balance of payment and trade imbalance issues. This marked a turning point in the global monetary system, leading to the era of floating exchange rates.

Key concepts

Floating Exchange Rates

The era of floating exchange rates began after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in the early 1970s. Unlike the fixed exchange rate system where currencies were attached to the US dollar, floating exchange rates allow currencies to find their value based on supply and demand in the global market.
These rates are determined by various factors such as interest rates, economic indicators, political stability, and market speculation. As a result, currency values can fluctuate daily, depending on traders' perceptions and economic forecasts.

• This system brings about increased volatility as currency values can change rapidly.
• It allows countries more flexibility in monetary policies, adapting to economic changes without maintaining a fixed rate.
• However, it may also lead to uncertainty in international trade and investments due to unpredictable currency valuations.

The shift to floating exchange rates was a significant change, allowing currencies to self-regulate and adapt to global financial conditions.

US Dollar Devaluation

In the early 1970s, the United States faced significant economic challenges that led to the devaluation of the US dollar. This action was a response to various factors impacting its economy, notably the balance of payments crisis brought about by increasing fiscal and trade deficits.
Devaluing the dollar was expected to make US exports more competitive by lowering their prices on the global market.

• 1971 Devaluation: President Nixon suspended the dollar's convertibility into gold, marking the end of the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate system. This initial devaluation was part of a series of measures, including import surcharges, aimed at addressing the economic imbalance.


• 1973 Devaluation: The continued economic pressure led to another devaluation of the dollar to improve the US's trade position further and balance of payments by encouraging economic growth through exports.

These strategic devaluations were vital in allowing the US economy to transition to a more flexible currency regime and address ongoing economic challenges.

Balance of Payment Deficits

A major issue that affected the US in the early 1970s was its balance of payment deficits, which played a key role in the decision to devalue the dollar. The balance of payments is a record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world over a specific period.
In the context of the US:

• Deficits arose because the country was importing more goods and services than it exported, which led to a negative balance.


• Additionally, significant spending on foreign activities, such as military expenditures, contributed to these deficits.
• These deficits weakened confidence in the US dollar and led to increased pressure on its value in the foreign exchange markets.

By devaluing the dollar, the US sought to turn around its negative balance of payments by making its exports cheaper and imports more expensive, therefore encouraging domestic production and consumption. This move aimed at better balancing its trade and resolving its economic issues.