occupation of the ruhr

• In what year did the German government go bankrupt?

  1923
• Why did the German government spend all its gold reserves?

  To finance the First World War
• What does the Treaty of Versailles restrict for Germany?

  Access to revenue from key areas
• What financial obligation did Germany have under the treaty?

  Pay hefty reparations to the Allies
• Why did the German government request a reduction in reparations?

  To address their massive financial problems
• Why was the request for reduced reparations refused?

  Allies needed the money for their debts
• What happened in December 1922 regarding coal shipments?

  Germany failed to send coal to France
• What was France's response to Germany's failure to send coal?

  Sent troops to occupy the Ruhr
• What did the French troops confiscate during their occupation?

  Raw materials and industrial machinery
• How was the German army limited by the treaty?

  Limited to one hundred thousand men
• What was the strategy of the German government in response to the occupation?

  Urged passive resistance among workers
• What does passive resistance entail?

  Non-violent disobedience and strikes
• What was the French response to German workers' strikes?

  Arrested those who obstructed them
• What was the economic impact of the French occupation on Germany?

  Increased debts and unemployment
• Why did many Germans resent the French occupation?

  It highlighted the Weimar government's failures
• Who was the Weimar foreign minister in 1924?

  Gustav Stresemann
• What plan did Stresemann agree to with the Americans?

  The Dawes Plan
• What did Stresemann call off in 1924?

  German passive resistance
• When did the French agree to leave the Ruhr?

  In 1925
• What were the consequences of the French occupation of the Ruhr for Germany?

  • Increased debts
  • Rising unemployment
  • Shortage of goods
  • Resentment towards the Weimar government
• What were the key factors leading to the French occupation of the Ruhr?

  1. Germany's failure to pay reparations
  2. Treaty restrictions on military response
  3. Economic collapse post-World War I
  4. French need for reparations to pay debts
• How did the Weimar government respond to the challenges posed by the French occupation?

  • Urged passive resistance
  • Negotiated with the Allies
  • Attempted to maintain economic stability