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Krieg, Verteilungskonflikt, Reparationen: die deutsche Inflation von 1920 bis 1923

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  • Ritschl Albrecht O.

Abstract

Germany’s hyperinflation resulted from a confluence of several factors, all of which contributed to a temporary breakdown in state capacity and to unsustainable public sector deficits. Wartime debt deflated by 90% already in 1920. Informal wage indexation and failure to enforce collection of a new progressive income tax contributed to recurrent inflation. Unsustainable reparations were met by purchasing gold abroad, further accelerating inflation. Conflict over reparation arrears resulted in the military occupation of the Ruhr industry district in early 1923. Stabilisation occurred after informal moratoria on both international and internal conflict, allowing for budget stabilisation and a two-step currency reform, as well as a return to gold in 1924.

Suggested Citation

  • Ritschl Albrecht O., 2023. "Krieg, Verteilungskonflikt, Reparationen: die deutsche Inflation von 1920 bis 1923," Wirtschaftsdienst, Sciendo, vol. 103(2), pages 90-93, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:wirtsc:v:103:y:2023:i:2:p:90-93:n:8
    DOI: 10.2478/wd-2023-0028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Alesina, Alberto & Drazen, Allan, 1991. "Why Are Stabilizations Delayed?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 81(5), pages 1170-1188, December.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N14 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N4 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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