SET 2: Impact of the First World War

What were the social and economic impacts of WWI on Germany?

Severe shortages (Turnip Winter 1916–17); 750,000 civilian deaths from starvation; war weariness; strikes in 1918; economy weakened by total war (1914–1918)

What caused Germany’s defeat in WWI?

Military failure and exhaustion; US entry 1917; naval blockade; loss of morale; led to armistice on 11 Nov 1918

What political changes happened in October–November 1918?

October Reforms made Chancellor accountable to Reichstag; Kaiser abdicated 9 Nov 1918; republic declared; armistice signed 11 Nov 1918

What was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles (1919)?

War Guilt Clause 231; £6.6bn reparations set 1921; army limited to 100,000; territorial losses; caused resentment and economic strain

What happened during the Occupation of the Ruhr (Jan 1923)?

France and Belgium occupied Ruhr over missed reparations; passive resistance led to economic collapse and hyperinflation

What was hyperinflation and its impact (1923)?

Government printed money to pay workers; currency collapsed; Nov 1923 bread cost ~200 billion marks; savings wiped out, causing anger