In 1923, the country was rocked with hyperinflation, now the retreat from globalisation is exposing the fragility of its industrial model
Germany has come a long way in 100 years. Back in November 1923, people were trundling wheelbarrows stacked high with cash through its streets to buy a loaf of bread. Now its reputation is that of an economic powerhouse.
That episode of hyperinflation left deep scars on the nation’s psyche. Government printing presses were working flat out to produce mountains of worthless bank notes and the currency collapse was so severe a single US dollar was worth 1tn marks. “Never again” has been the mantra ever since.
More Stories
Jane Birkin’s original Hermès handbag to be sold at auction in Paris
Trump trade deal shows how vital China’s rare-earth metals are to US defense firms
BYD launches cheapest UK model in bid to overtake Tesla as biggest electric carmaker