Back
Glossary

Reparations: IGCSE History Definition

Natasha Smith

Written by: Natasha Smith

Reviewed by: Zoe Wade

Published

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What are reparations?
  2. 2. Why Are Reparations Historically Significant?
  3. 3. Reparations Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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

Sign up for articles sent directly to your inbox

Receive news, articles and guides directly from our team of experts.

Share this article

Author
Reviewer
Natasha Smith

Author: 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.

Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now