Final answer:
Europe traded less with the United States after the Great Depression began due to increased tariffs and trade barriers, particularly as a result of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act, which led to retaliation by European countries and a significant drop in global trade. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shortly after the Great Depression began, Europe traded less with the United States due to increased tariffs and trade barriers. This reduction in trade was greatly influenced by the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1930. Intended to support American farmers and manufacturers by establishing the highest protective tariff in U.S. history, it actually led to a cycle of retaliation and the raising of tariffs by European countries, causing worldwide trade to plummet by more than 40%.
The protectionist measures, combined with the global economic downturn, made difficult economic conditions even worse both in the U.S. and abroad. The interconnectedness of world economies became starkly apparent as every attempt to stimulate domestic economies through protectionism led to further decline in international trade and economic output, exacerbating the Great Depression.