Ruhr crisis and hyperinflation Flashcards

France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr industrial region after Germany failed to pay reparations. This led to passive resistance by German workers.

German workers in the Ruhr refused to work or co-operate with the occupying forces during the Ruhr Crisis.

Germany's economy worsened as industrial production in the Ruhr stopped, leading to shortages and increased inflation.

A period of extremely rapid inflation in Germany caused by the government printing money to pay reparations and support striking workers.

Reparations payments, the Ruhr Crisis, and the government's decision to print more money to cover costs.

Savings became worthless, prices soared, and people struggled to afford basic goods. Bartering replaced money in some areas.

People with debts benefited as they could pay them off easily with devalued money. Some businesses profited by buying goods cheaply.

Middle-class savers, pensioners, and those on fixed incomes suffered as their savings became worthless.

Hyperinflation ended when Gustav Stresemann introduced the Rentenmark in 1923, stabilising the currency and economy.