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World War I Finally Ends Today!
By
Ben Yakas
Published Oct 3, 2010
Modified Oct 3, 2010
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Oct 3, 2010
Modified Oct 3, 2010
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Ninety-six years ago, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, which precipitated the start of the War to End All Wars, World War I. And today, we can finally put that Great War to rest: Germany paid back the final installment of reparation payments set in 1919's Treaty of Versailles. The Allied victors, particularly Britain, France and America, agreed to an initial sum for war damages, around £132 billion by today's equivalency. Hitler stopped the payments in the 1930's, which helped propel him to power. Germany paid over £60 million today in a bond to erase the debt. Today is also the 20th anniversary of reunification in Germany. Hopefully now they will think twice before starting WWII.
Tagged
debt
germany
reparations
world war I
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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