Trade was very badly affected as this was the period when the first world war took place. Due to the war there were many limitations which were put on all the countries so that they can avoid the war to end as soon as possible. Many industries were either shut down or running to produce arms and ammunitions instead of their regular manufacturing. There were shortage of food and raw material in several countries. The European countries were mainly affected as they were directly involved in the war and they were unable to trade not only with America but with other countries as well.