Invasion of Ruhr Flashcards
What was the root cause of the invasion of the Ruhr?
The reparations bill in the Treaty of Versailles - set at £6.6 billion
How was the annual reparation payment calculated?
It was equal to 2% of Germany’s annual (yearly) output
How much did Germany pay in 1921?
£50 million
How much did Germany pay in 1922?
Nothing
What did the Germans think about the annual reparation payments?
That they were an intolerable strain on the German economy
What happened when Germany failed to pay its reparations?
French and Belgian troops invaded the Ruhr
Why did the French and Belgian troops choose to invade the Ruhr specifically?
It was highly industrial area. It produced a lot of iron and steel. The troops wanted to take raw materials and goods, as they hadn’t received their payments.
Was the invasion legal?
Yes - it was legal under the Treaty of Versailles
When was the invasion?
January 1923
How did the Germans respond to the invasion?
The German government ordered a policy of ‘passive resistance’
How did the French respond to passive resistance?
Harshly - they killed 100 German workers and expelled 100,000 protesters from the region
What was a consequence of the halt of industrial production in the region?
It led to a collapse in the German currency (the mark)
Who was blamed for the invasion of the Ruhr?
Germans blamed the French - their old enemies. But they were also angry at the Weimar government, who looked weak.
