The impact of WW1 on Germany

Germany spent a lot of money because they thought that they could charge the losers for the war.

They were in debt with the post-war budget, banks and export industries were badly disrupted and their trading partners refused to trade with them. A lot of peole blamed the government for this.

Taxes were also raised and not passed through parliment as it would hit the richest people.

The state had to invest in army recruitment, the war ministry decided who should go to war and who shouldn't.

Until 1918, many soldiers on the front line felt that they could win the war. This lead to a huge feeling of mass suspicion in Germany which led to blaming the newly formed government (The Weimar Republic), who signed the armistice - which gave the feeling  that the government had stabbed them in the back.

During the war Kaiser Wilhelm 2 had no power and was blamed for some problems associated with WW1.

He was eventually forced to abdicate and was replaced by the Weimar Republic.

People were unhappy with the early years of the Weimar Repulic. They were responsible for the armistice.

During the war rationing took place and 35% of German trade was illegal. This meant Germany struggled to produce enough food to feed the country, leading to some starvation.

By winter 1916-17, living standards had started to affect everyday life.

Death by starvation and hyperthermea increased from 121,000 to 293,000 in 1918.

Infant mortality increased by 50%.

No driving due to petrol shortages.