Post-War Crisis
How did defeat in the First World War push Germany into chaos? Follow the fall of the Kaiser, the burden of reparations, the occupation of the Ruhr and the hyperinflation of 1923.
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A country in crisis 💥
By 1918 Germany was exhausted and defeated in the First World War. Within five years it lost its monarchy, was forced to pay huge reparations, and saw its money become almost worthless. This module follows that post-war crisis, from the fall of the Kaiser to the hyperinflation of 1923.
Words to know 🔑
Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.
Who did hyperinflation hurt? ⚖️
When money lost its value in 1923, it did not affect everyone in the same way.
See the chain 💡
These events were linked. Defeat led to the Treaty of Versailles and reparations. Non-payment led to the occupation of the Ruhr. That led the government to print money, which caused hyperinflation. In the exam, EXPLAIN this chain of cause and effect and weigh who suffered, rather than just listing events.
Match the term 🔗
- Abdication
- Reparations
- Hyperinflation
- Weimar Republic
- When a monarch gives up the throne
- Payments for the damage caused in the war
- When money loses almost all its value
- The new German republic set up in 1918
What happened in 1918? 🎯
What happened to Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918?
- He abdicated and the monarchy ended
- He took even greater control of Germany
- He was elected as the first president
- Nothing changed for the monarchy
Match the event 📜
- The armistice of 1918
- The Treaty of Versailles
- Reparations
- The occupation of the Ruhr
- The agreement that ended the fighting
- The 1919 treaty that set the peace terms
- The payments demanded for war damage
- French and Belgian troops seizing German industry in 1923
Post-war problems ✅
Which TWO of these were post-war problems for Germany? Choose all that apply.
- Reparations payments it struggled to afford
- The occupation of the Ruhr
- A strong and stable economy
- Victory in the First World War
Put the crisis in order 🪜
An interactive activity.
Complete the sentences 🧩
In November 1918 the Kaiser gave up his throne, an act called _____, and Germany became a _____. The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany to pay _____ for war damage. When payments stopped, France occupied the _____ in 1923. To pay striking workers the government printed money, causing _____.
Count the years 🔢
An interactive activity.
Spot hyperinflation 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Cause or consequence? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Explain the crisis ✍️
An interactive activity.