Chapter 2 - Impact Of WW1, Reperations, Ruhr, Hyperinflation Flashcards
What happened to Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918?
He lost control of the army and generals, leading to his abdication.
Who set up the new German Republic and when?
Ebert set up the new German Republic on November 10, 1918.
When was the armistice signed?
The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
What financial issues did Germany face after WW1?
Germany was bankrupt, owed lots of borrowed money, and had exhausted factories.
What were some consequences of Germany’s debts from 1914-1918?
Debts increased from 50 million marks to 150 million marks.
How many soldiers fought and how many died during WW1?
11 million fought and 2 million died.
What was the impact of the war on the social structure in Germany?
Society became divided; factory owners became rich while workers remained poor due to wage restrictions.
What was an untraditional change for women during the war?
Women worked in factories during the war.
What led to political instability in Germany after WW1?
Mutiny and revolution occurred as ex-soldiers and civilians felt betrayed by politicians.
What was the term used to describe the peace treaty that some Germans felt betrayed by?
DIKTAT.
What was the transition in government structure in Germany post-WW1?
Germany transitioned from autocracy to democracy.
What was the reparation amount for Germany in 1923?
£6.6 million
What event led to the invasion of the Ruhr?
Germany couldn’t pay the second installment of reparations.
Which countries invaded the Ruhr in 1923?
France and Belgium
What was the size of the invading force in the Ruhr?
60,000 soldiers
What was the consequence of the workers’ strike in the Ruhr?
Halt in industrial production and collapse of German currency.
What were the economic effects of the crisis in Germany?
Increase in Germany’s debts, unemployment, and shortages of goods.
What caused hyperinflation in Germany?
The government printed more money to pay off debts.
What was the effect of too much money in circulation?
Prices and wages increased, rendering money worthless.
What was the price of eggs in Germany in 1914?
0.9 marks
What was the price of eggs in Germany in November 1923?
320 billion marks
Who benefitted from the hyperinflation?
Farmers, as people paid more for food.
What were some positives of the hyperinflation for individuals?
People and businesses paid off loans and mortgages; fixed rents were cheap.
