3. Economic and Social Issues in Germany, 1919-1924 (S1) Flashcards
Why did Germany finance the war by printing more money?
They believed they would win the war and then enforce high reparations on their enemies.
How much debt did the Weimar Republic face in 1919?
1.5 billion marks
Give a reason why the Republic didn’t increase taxes or reduce spending.
- Alienated support for republic as anti-republicans would claim the tax is for reparations
- Civil servants needed to be paid, and they didn’t want to make them redundant
Compare Germany’s unemployment figures in 1921 to Britains.
1921 – 1.8% compared to Britain’s 17%!
What was the time limit given to accept the terms of the Treaty of Versailles?
6 days
When did the French-Belgian troops occupy the Ruhr? Why?
January 1923 – because Germany fell seriously behind in its payment of reparations to France in the form of coal.
What was Chancellor Cuno’s plan in retaliation to the occupation of the Ruhr? Give 2 ways.
- Responded by stopping reparation payments
- Ordered passive resistance (no one in the area would cooperate with the French)
- Paramilitary groups to sabotage the French
How many Germans were expelled from the Ruhr or shot by the French? Name 1.
150,000 expelled
132 shot and killed
Name two ways the Ruhr occupation led to hyperinflation.
- Paying wages or providing goods for striking workers drained government finances
- Tax revenue lost from closed businesses and unemployment
- Germany had to import coal and pay for it from limited foreign currency reserves
- Shortages of goods pushed prices up
What was the effect of rising food prices? Give 2 examples.
- There were food shortages as supplies were hoarded
- Breakdown of law and order as there were food riots
- Gangs began to steal from farmers
- People bartered their possessions in exchange for vital supplies
Describe 2 Weimar reforms made for social welfare and employment rights.
- Law passed limiting the working day to a maximum 8 hours
- State health insurance system extended from employed workers to wives, daughters and the disabled
- Aid for war veterans incapable of working because of injuries
- Aid for war widows and orphans
- National Youth Welfare Act required local authorities to set up youth offices for child protection and a right to education
Who were the winners of hyperinflation? Give 2 examples.
People in debt, renters, black-marketeers, most farmers.
Who were the losers of hyperinflation? Give 2 examples.
Pensioners, war widows, landlords, artisans and small business owners, unskilled workers, the sick.
