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The Great War ended on November 11th, 1918, when the signed armistice came into effect, but the peace agreement lead to additional destruction – the destruction of wealth and savings – in the form of an hyperinflation event in Germany from 1921 and 1924 that caused millions of people to have their savings erased.
[The original infographic, as posted by Jeff Desjardins (money.visualcapitalist.com), is presented here by the editorial team of munKNEE.com (Your Key to Making Money!) in a slightly edited ([ ]) and/or abridged (…) format to provide a fast and easy read.]
Just two calendar years after the end of the war, the Papiermark was worth 10% of its original value. By the end of 1923, it took 1 trillion Papiermarks to buy a single Goldmark. All cash savings had lost their value, and the prudent German middle class savers were inexplicably punished.
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Related Articles from the munKNEE Vault:
1. These 21 Countries Have Experienced Hyperinflation In the Last 25 Years
Hyperinflation is not an unusual phenomenon. 32 countries have experienced hyperinflation over the last 100 years of which no less than 21 have experienced it in the past 25 years and 3 in the past 10 years. The United States is one of the few countries to have experienced two currency collapses during its history (1812-1814 and 1861-1865). Could it happen again?
2. Today’s Bogus Economic Growth Means Either Hyperinflation Or State Bankruptcies Tomorrow
The present economic expansion is being brought about by massive stimulus policies and, as such, does not constitute genuine economic growth. Such bogus economic growth by way of monetary and fiscal stimulus can go on only until either the collapse of hyperinflation brings an end to the artificial boom or the amount of accumulated debt makes state bankruptcy inevitable.
3. What’s Coming: A Hyperinflationary or A Deflationary Depression?
While I believe that the U.S. is heading towards a Weimar styleInflation_Deflation2 hyperinflationary depression there are several developments that point to the possibility of another deflationary depression, similar to the 1930’s. Let me explain.
4. Hyperinflation Is Highly Unlikely in America & Britain – Here’s Why
Without pricing power or a large fiscal deficit and large foreign currency demands, it simply isn’t credible to claim that hyperinflation in the U.S. or the U.K. is in the offing now or anytime in the immediate future.
5. Finally: A Clear Understanding of Hyperinflation, Money Demand & the “Crack-Up Boom”
Hyperinflation is perhaps the darkest side of a government fiat money regime. Among mainstream economists, hyperinflation typically denotes a period of exceptionally strong increases in overall prices of goods and services, thus denoting a period of exceptionally strong erosion in the exchange value of money.
There is a general pattern for the stages of hyperinflation – the stages of the “death of a fiat currency”. Here they are.
Reserve currency or no, hyperinflation is a process clearly defined in history and we are fully entrenched in that process. As much as we enjoy the idea of a free lunch there is no such thing so we will all, eventually, have to pay the piper. Let me explain.
8. Fed & Yellen So Far Behind Inflation Curve Chance of Hyperinflation Is Now 35%! Here’s Why
Janet Yellen and the Federal Reserve are so behind the inflation curve, and many other market implication curves, that we probably are staring at a 35% chance of a Hyper-Inflationary period by the time the Federal Reserve realizes that “noise” is actually real inflation!
The Fed, together with other central banks from around the world, have created the perfect crescendo of worldwide credit bubbles and asset bubbles leading to the excesses and decadence which are the normal finale to a secular trend. They have totally destroyed all major world currencies and left the world with debts that cannot and will not be repaid with normal money. As such, there are only two alternative outcomes, debt default or hyperinflation. Both will have disastrous consequences for the world economy.
10. U.S. Economy: Reduce Spending (Future Depression) OR Keep Spending (Future Hyperinflation)
The U.S. government is in what is known as a “debt death spiral”. They must borrow money to repay prior debts. It is as if they are using their Visa Card to make an American Express payment. The rate of new debt additions dwarf any rate of growth the economy can possibly achieve. The end is certain, only its timing is unknown, and, once interest rates begin to rise, and they will, it’s game over.
11. 15 Questions & Answers Regarding Hyperinflation
It is difficult to say exactly when hyperinflation will hit a currency. However, I am convinced that the danger level is so high for most fiat money that it is worthwhile for everyone to increase their understanding of hyperinflation. This is the first part of a Hyperinflation FAQ for frequently asked questions or objections about hyperinflation.
12. Will Hyperinflation Happen in America? Here Are Economic & Political Worst Case Scenarios
I have been reading a lot lately about the coming hyperinflation in America… [and while] I respect many of the writers [who express that opinion] I think they are jumping the gun. At this point none of the economic or political factors required to set off hyperinflation are present – and a careful analysis of theory, fact, and history leads me to conclude that inflation/stagflation is our future. It is quite a leap of fancy to say we are certain to have hyperinflation.
13. James Turk Interviews Robert Prechter: Which Will It Be – Hyperinflation or Massive Deflation?
James Turk believes hyperinflation is ahead. Bob Prechter believes massive deflation is coming. An interesting discussion between the two takes place in this audio. Ultimately, both lead to Depression. Only the route taken differs, but that is important.
14. High Inflation is Coming but Hyperinflation is Highly Unlikely – Why is That?
People get confused about the nature of mass inflation, hyperinflation, and what causes both. [Let me clarify the nature and causes of each.] Words: 930
15. Hyperinflation in the U.S. is Possible But Unlikely – Here’s Why
I respect many of the writers who believe that we will experience hyperinflation… but I think they are jumping the gun. Hyperinflation is something that is easy to say – and it certainly achieves the sensational headlines that so many financial writers seek – but it is much more difficult to achieve. At this point none of the economic or political factors required to set off hyperinflation are present. The question should not be whether or not it is possible, but whether or not it is probable in America today and in my opinion the probability of such happening is very low. [Let me explain why that is the case.] Words: 2695
16. Why Hyperinflation is Not Likely – Let Alone Imminent
The National Inflation Association (NIA) has just posted an article which makes a number of interesting arguments for the advent of hyperinflation and, while I agree with the conclusion that we could potentially face such an event, I see it as just one of a few possible outcomes. Let me comment on the specific points in the NIA article. Words: 1666
There is a difference between inflation and hyperinflation…and there is no gradual path from one to the other. To wind up with true hyperinflation, some very bad things have to happen. The government has to completely lose control… the populace has to completely lose faith in the system… or both at the same time. [Are we there yet? Let’s take a look.] Words: 1188
Increases in spending and liabilities along with decreases in foreign lending equals a recipe for disaster. So, where will the money come from? This is a job for the printing press. While we are certainly facing deflation in the near term and a very choppy market, the groundwork has been laid for hyperinflation, soaring interest rates and exploding gold and silver prices. Words: 945