The occupation of the Ruhr

• What was the main reason for the French occupation of the RAR?

  Germany's failure to pay reparations
• How much did Germany have to pay in reparations after World War I?

  1. 6 billion pounds
• Which countries primarily received the reparations from Germany?

  France and Belgium
• Why was it difficult for Germany to pay reparations?

  The government was bankrupt after World War I
• What areas did France take from Germany that generated income?

  The Saar coal fields
• What was the German government's response to the French occupation?

  They used passive resistance and strikes
• What was one consequence of German workers going on strike during the occupation?

  French workers had to be brought in
• What was one method of sabotage used by German workers?

  Destruction of products and machines
• What was the impact of the German government's decision to print money?

  It led to hyperinflation
• What percentage of needed taxes was collected by the German government?

  25%
• What was the purpose of the propaganda produced by the German government?

  To blame the French for the occupation
• How did middle-class Germans react to the government's handling of the occupation?

  They blamed the Weimar government for weakness
• When did the occupation of the Ruhr region end?

  August 1925
• What was the outcome of the reparations payments restarting?

  It ended the occupation of the Ruhr
• What was the overall impact of the occupation on the German economy?

  It led to hyperinflation and economic destruction
• Who were the most affected by the outcomes of the occupation?

  Middle-class Germans
• What were the main responses of the Weimar government to the French occupation?

  • Passive resistance and strikes
  • Sabotage of products and machines
  • Printing money to pay workers
• What were the long-term effects of the occupation of the Ruhr on German politics?

  • Loss of faith in the Weimar government
  • Increased support for extremist parties
  • Middle-class discontent with democracy
• What were the key events leading to the French occupation of the Ruhr?

  1. Germany's failure to pay reparations
  2. French invasion of the Ruhr region
  3. Passive resistance by German workers