Essay 2.
1. What caused the post-WW 1 hyperinflation in Germany? Could it have been avoided and if so how? And, of course, if your answer to previous question is yes, why were the necessary anti-inflationary policies not introduced?
2. Does a nation’s economic and/or cultural past impact its present and if so how?
Drawing on one or more examples from the literature, explain what you mean by persistence, why it occurs (when it does), and why it matters.
3. What happened to inter-allied war debts in the 1920s and 1930s, why, and did it matter?
The essay should be no longer than five double-spaced pages (roughly 1500 words). The general idea is to choose a topic and define it sufficiently well that you can treat it seriously within the prescribed space. Suggested topics are broad and thus require
considerable narrowing and refinement. Readings included in the course syllabus will provide you with a sufficient set of references for your essay but feel free to add material as you see fit.
GRADING SCHEME FOR THE ESSAYS
• Clarity of question and motivation 20%
• Statement of findings 5%
• Literature review 20%
• Clarity, coherence, completeness of analysis 25%
• Use of qualitative or quantitative evidence 20%
• Clarity and completeness of conclusion 10%