Hyperinflation and the invasion of the Ruhr

Germany could not afford the reparations payments due in 1922.
In January 1923, France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr – Germany’s main industrial area. The Ruhr’s coal, iron, and steel production made up 80% of Germany’s industry.
The Germans reacted with passive resistance – they went on a strike and refused to make the goods that the invading forces wanted.
The French imprisoned the protesting Germans and brought in their own workers, but the Germans had damaged or sabotaged the machinery so there was still a production shortage.
The Weimar Government supported the strikes by printing extra money for the strikers, but this resulted in too much money in circulation (hyperinflation = money becomes worthless), spiralling the economy out of control.

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