socioeconomic problems

Question 1

What was Germany’s national debt increase from 1914-1919?

Answer 1

Germany’s national debt increased from 5000 million Marks to 144,000 million Marks.

Question 2

How did Germany finance the war, and what were the consequences?

Answer 2

Germany financed the war through short-term loans and printing money, leading to hyperinflation.

Question 3

How did the value of the German mark change against the US dollar between 1914 and 1919?

Answer 3

The value of the German mark fell from 4.20 Marks to 14.09 Marks against the US dollar.

Question 4

What two options did the German government have to address its financial problems after WWI?

Answer 4

The government had to choose between increasing taxes or reducing government expenditure, both of which were politically unattractive.