4-mark consequence — Treaty of Versailles

Explain one consequence of the Treaty of Versailles for Germany. (4 marks)

Strong answer: A direct economic consequence was the imposition of reparations payments fixed at £6.6 billion in 1921. The burden contributed directly to the 1923 hyperinflation crisis: when Germany defaulted, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr, the German government printed money to pay strikers, and the Mark collapsed (1 trillion = 1 dollar at peak). Middle-class savings were wiped out, fuelling lasting resentment of the Weimar Republic that signed the Treaty.