invasion of the Ruhr (jan 11, 1923 – aug 25, 1925)

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Germany was in a terrible economic state after WWI as reparations had to be paid, but other countries did not see the German currency as a suitable form of money and demanded reparations to be paid in either gold, other accepted currencies, or raw materials. then a plan was set in motion to just print more money in order to exchange it with foreign currencies. this resulted in hyperinflation. however, despite this plan, Germany kept falling behind on its payments, which upset the French and Belgians. the British and Americans argued that Germany should be given more time as the reparations were very harsh. France was putting pressure on Britain to support the sanctions they wanted to put on Germany but Britain refused.

angered by repeatedly missed transactions, the French and Belgian armies sent 60,000 soldiers into the Ruhr region of Germany. Germany could not respond with force as its military was too weak, so the German government ordered workers to resist the occupation using passive resistance.

this was important as it highlighted to the Germans the necessity of rearmament.

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