Chapter 3 - Economic and Social Problems 1918-1923 Flashcards
How much war debt did the Weimar government inherit in 1919?
1.44 billion marks
What amount was the Treaty of Versailles reparations set to?
£6.6 billion
When did Germany request a loan and how much for?
November 1922
500 million gold marks and 3 years without reparations
When did France and Belgium seize the Ruhr?
January 1923
How much did a kilo of rye bread cost in November 1923?
233 billion marks
Mittelstand
Middle-rank; people without steady sources of income (e.g. small farmers, artisans, small shopkeepers)
Name some of the ‘winners’ of hyperinflation
Businessmen like Hugo Stinnes who took out loans and repaid them once the currency was devalued
Black marketeers
People with mortgages and loans
People with foreign currency
Renters on fixed-rate rents
Farmers who produced their own food
Name some of the ‘losers’ of hyperinflation
Small business owners
Pensioners who relied on fixed pensions
Landlords who relied on fixed rents
People with savings
People who were unable to work
People who had bought war bonds during WW1
What three social welfare reforms were introduced in 1919?
Working day limited to 8 hours
State health insurance extended to include wives, daughters and the disabled
Aid given to veterans who were unable to work due to injury
What social welfare reform was introduced in 1922?
National Youth Welfare Act - all children have the right to an education and protection
What was the policy of fulfilment?
The idea that cooperation would win sympathy from the Allies and the terms of the Treaty would be revised
