Summary 2 - The occupation of the Ruhr

Question 1

When did French and Belgian forces occupy the Ruhr?

Answer 1

January 1923

Question 2

Why did French and Belgian troops invade and occupy the Ruhr?

Answer 2

Germany missed a reparations payment.

Question 3

During the occupation, how many foreign troops were stationed in the Ruhr?

Answer 3

Up to 100,000 men

Question 4

What was the governments response to the occupation?

Answer 4

They ordered passive resistance - German workers went on strike. This stopped the French from seizing coal and steel.

Question 5

Why did passive resistance put great pressure on the German economy?

Answer 5

The government promised to continue to pay workers whilst they were on strike.

Question 6

Give three economic effects of the occupation?

Answer 6

• Paying workers further drained government resources.
• The tax revenue from businesses operating in the Ruhr was lost.
• The shortage of goods led to further inflation as supply could not meet demand.

Question 7

Describe the overall cost of the occupation in relation to the annual reparation payment?

Answer 7

The combined cost of the occupation was twice as expensive as the annual reparations payment.

Question 8

When did the German Mark become virtually worthless?

Answer 8

August 1923