Instability After World War 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the plan to pay back reparations after World War 1?

The Treaty of Versailles was strictly enforced. The Allied Reparations Commission determined that Germany owed 132 billion German marks in damages, to be paid at a rate of 2.5 billion marks annually.

What happened in Germany that caused the end of reparation payments?

The German government faced a financial crisis and determined it could not pay reparations.

What caused the Great Depression in Germany?

The downfalls in other economies, withdrawal of investors' money from Germany to the US stock market, and massive inflation.

What was the effect of the Germans not paying reparations to the Allied Forces?

France sent troops to seize Germany's most critical industrial and mining center. Signup and view all the answers

What came as a result of Germany's Great Depression internally?

Increased government activity in the economy and the rise of political leaders offering simple solutions in exchange for dictatorial power. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Great Depression on the power of the Weimar Republic in Germany?

The Weimar Republic was plagued by economic issues, extreme inflation, and the Great Depression, which facilitated the rise of extremist parties. Signup and view all the answers

What did John Maynard Keynes believe regarding economic problems in Britain?

He argued that unemployment came from a decline in demand, not overproduction, and thought governments could create jobs through spending. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reparation Payments

After WWI, the Treaty of Versailles demanded Germany pay reparations, set at 132 billion German marks.
The Allied Reparations Commission established that payments would be 2.5 billion marks annually.

Financial Crisis in Germany

Germany faced a financial crisis that led to the inability to meet reparation obligations, thereby halting payments.

Causes of Germany's Great Depression

Global economic downturns significantly impacted Germany, contributing to its own Great Depression.
Withdrawal of investments by American investors from Germany exacerbated financial strain.
Massive inflation played a crucial role in worsening economic conditions.

Consequences of Unpaid Reparations

France responded to Germany's failure to pay by occupying critical industrial and mining areas to seize resources directly.

Internal Impact of the Great Depression

The economic crisis led to increased government intervention in the economy to stabilize conditions.
Political instability grew, allowing extremist leaders to gain influence by offering simplistic solutions in exchange for dictatorial powers.

Weimar Republic's Struggles

The Weimar Republic faced severe economic challenges, including hyperinflation and the Great Depression, undermining its stability and enabling extremist parties to rise.

John Maynard Keynes' Economic Theories

Keynes posited that unemployment was driven more by decreased demand than by overproduction.
He advocated for government intervention to stimulate demand and create jobs through public spending.

Description

Explore the key concepts and events that contributed to instability in Europe after World War 1. This quiz focuses on the ramifications of the Treaty of Versailles, including German reparations and their impact on the economy and politics of the time. Test your knowledge with these informative flashcards!