The Light Beyond

After WW1 Germany was forced to pay crippling reparations to the allies. Especially to France which had been the site of most of the battles. To prevent Germany from re-arming, France held control over the German industrial heartland in the Ruhr valley. The combination of huge international debt and lack of production led to hyperinflation, social disruption, and ultimately the success of the National Socialists or Nazis. These reparation payments by the losers to the victors were common until the Marshall plan was adopted following World War 2.