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Reparations - IGCSE History Definition

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

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What are reparations?

In IGCSE History, reparations are payments or compensation a defeated country must make after a war to cover damage and costs. Reparations can take various forms, including money, goods, or resources. 

A well-known example is the reparations Germany was forced to pay £6.6 billion after the First World War, as stated in the Treaty of Versailles (1919). These payments were meant to repair war damage but also acted as punishment. 

Why Are Reparations Historically Significant?

Reparations are historically significant as they can cause economic problems, as seen in Germany in the 1920s, where they contributed to inflation and political instability. Furthermore, it is believed by most historians that the reparations of the Treaty of Versailles contributed to the rise of Hitler and the Second World War. 

Reparations Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes and resources for Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History and Edexcel IGCSE History to see where reparations fit into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our IGCSE History Revision Resources

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Natasha Smith

Reviewer: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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