Ruhr

• In January 1923, French troops invaded the Ruhr to take reparations payments in goods and raw materials, German workers went on strike, and the Weimar government printed more money to pay strikers and make up for loss of coal, steel and iron production
• In November 1923, the German mark was worthless due to hyperinflation
• Negative effects of hyperinflation


  • Some people could not afford essentials like bread
  • Wages rose, but not as quickly as prices
  • Some businesses went bankrupt
  • People with fixed or monthly incomes, such as pensioners, suffered most
  • Savings became worthless, affecting the middle classes most
  • People blamed the Weimar government, which made it even more unpopular
• Positive effects of hyperinflation

  • Farmers benefited, as they were paid more for food
  • Foreign visitors could buy more for their money