Many countries suffered from the ravages of World War I. There had been millions of casualties, and the war had immediately been followed by the devastating Spanish influenza pandemic. Between the war and the pandemic it is estimated that over fifty million people died worldwide. This was at a time when the population of the world was under two million people.
Though many countries suffered, Germany had the most troubles. Germany lost more than two million people during the war, which was more than any other country. The blockade of Germany led to a lack of food during the war years. Many people became malnourished and some even starved.
War damaged the countryside. Many towns and villages were fully or partially destroyed by fighting. Civilians throughout Germany were injured and died.
After the war, Germany fell into economic despair. Hyperinflation meant that German money was almost worthless. People could not afford to buy food and fuel. There was political unrest as a new form of government came into power. Many Germans felt that they had been cheated during the war, and that they had not really lost. This led to anger, which fueled radicalism.
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