The Economic, Social and Political Impact of WW1 on Germany

The Economic Impact of WW1 on Germany

Food shortages and considerable hunger on the home front - a result of labour shortage, government policies (taxes on income not raised, women not forced to work) and the demands of war.

Rise in black market, farmer's hoarding and landowners resisting state control.

E.g - Overall food production fell by 30%.

48% of Germany's pre-war imports came from countries she went to war against - this stopped in 1914.

Inflation - the Mark lost 75% of its value between 1913 and 1918. Demonstrates the economic strain of total war or poor economic management by the govt?

Rising budget defecit - Sold war bonds and printed money.

This links in to...

The Social Impact

 Berghahn - 'The emergency of total war failed to create a genuine interclass solidarity but furthered group egotism'

Growing opposition due to huge losses suffered - at the…