The 1930s were another difficult period. Given the decline in international and French business, the bank was forced to rationalise its network by closing down local branches. On the eve of the Second World War, the number of sales outlets was not much greater than in 1922. However, Société Générale was active in placing numerous public loans launched during this period by the State or the colonies. The war and the German Occupation interrupted its advance, but the bank moved into black Africa and America.