World War I ended . . . last Sunday!

[LizzieMaine]

Of course, for Clemenceau and the French it was never about reparation per se, but simple revenge and the desire to see Germany humiliated. Understandable, certainly, if unwise.

Losing an entire generation of young men will do that to a nation. Unfortunate, but true.

 

[Sgt Brown]

And here I had just assumed the payment of reparations was abandoned when Hitler abandoned the treaty of Versailles!

Just a point of curiosity. If AH denounced the Treaty of Versailles and, for 19XX-1945, Germany did not pay, what happened post-war when there ended up being TWO Germanys? I can see the World Court forcing W. Germany to resume payment. I can also see E. Germany telling them to stick it. Or did they pay, too?

Interesting.

Tom

 

[Diamondback]

Geesie: good quote about revenge!

Very--it's one I keep framed on my wall as a reminder about consequences and the fact that "in the long run, it's all small stuff".

 

[Smithy]

Just a point of curiosity. If AH denounced the Treaty of Versailles and, for 19XX-1945, Germany did not pay, what happened post-war when there ended up being TWO Germanys? I can see the World Court forcing W. Germany to resume payment. I can also see E. Germany telling them to stick it. Or did they pay, too?

Interesting.

Tom

West Germany (obviously not East) agreed to pay off the inter war debts (albeit at a reduced amount) at the 1953 London conference. West Germany finished paying off these in 1980. However it was also agreed (at the conference) that interest payments on loans taken out under the Dawes and Young plans that accrued between 1945 and the London conference be paid if and when East and West Germany ever reunified. This was thought to be highly unlikely and in effect was almost a writing off of these debts.

However, of course in 1990, the West and East unified and Germany said it would repay these "outstanding" monies. And this is what this Sunday they finally finish paying off.