Bretton Woods System · US History

In the Bretton Woods era, what was the primary reason for 'capital controls' (restrictions on moving money in/out of a country)?

  1. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases via physical currency notes and coins
  2. To force all citizens to keep their entire life savings in the Federal Reserve
  3. To make it administratively impossible for people to travel abroad
  4. To let governments maintain fixed exchange rates and independent monetary policy
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: To let governments maintain fixed exchange rates and independent monetary policy

The 'Impossible Trinity' theory suggests a nation cannot have a fixed exchange rate, free capital movement, and independent monetary policy simultaneously. Bretton Woods chose fixed rates and independent policy, necessitating capital controls.

Difficulty: Medium Question 17 of 20

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