Chase Brill 3/25/14 WWI: French Economy

Throughout the history of France, economy has played a factor of either hurting or making France. Before WWI, Frances economy was thriving and growing as every year passed. During WWI, it was Frances main objective to compete with Germany by trading internationally. After WWI, almost all of Europe, including France, had a major decline in their economies success. WWI had many impacts that would change the economy in France for many years to come. Before WWI, Frances economy was showing the potential to become a world leader in its revenue. Frances last revenue before WWI was 5,902,000,000, which was thought to be plentiful to sustain and launch their entrance to WWI. France was successful with its industrial growth that led to more production of iron ore and crude steel. Also, the railroads of France were increased which increased the speed and amount that France could trade. Soon, France began investing heavily to establish military production. This included making gun factories, clothing factories began making military uniforms, and organizations began to donate rations for the military. More recruiting offices were established to recruit the great amount of troops that France would need. France created more jobs and a great demand for products such as metal and cotton, which increased Frances economic stability. During WWI, it was Frances first priority to establish trading posts internationally to compete with Germanys international trade. This hurt Frances economy because French merchants would often trade for products that it did not need. Merchants did this to try and outdo the Germans who also did the same thing. This also helped Frances economy because it introduced France to new products that it began using in its industries and for its military. The economy race between France and Germany became known as a stalemate that would do neither country any good. After WWI, Frances economy, which before was the driving force that led to Frances success, crumbled to pieces and ruins. The cost of the war became too much due to the casualties, destruction of major French cities, and also the funding that kept France in the war. These same things came about to demolish most of Europes economy, and eventually led to the creation of the Euro. WWI reshaped not only the economy of France, but the economy of the world. Many countries suffered and France was tied in along with those countries. Economic success in France would not come for many more years to come. WWI showed its devastation after many countries collapsed due to economic depression. Funding for the war and the demolished cities were too much for countries to pay off. France was among those countries and it would become one of the leading sufferers, along with Germany. Although the outcome for France was not quite what they wanted, the war was

Chase Brill 3/25/14 stopped, and the Allied Powers came up with the victory. Eventually, more treaties came about after the war, and this was a sign that another world war was rising.