Money WondersPlay

Inflation & the EconomyValue

The Wheelbarrow of Marks

In 1923 Germany, prices doubled every few days and a lifetime of savings turned into paper

A man saves all his life, does everything right, and in one year his savings won't buy a loaf of bread. How?

You'll find out

  • What a lifetime of savings was worth
  • How fast prices doubled at the peak
  • The day a trillion became one

Why it matters

It happened in a modern country, to careful savers. Money is a promise, and promises can break.

About 4 min7 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 70 · Zone 8

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  2. 65PricesThe 5-Cent CokeA bottle of Coca-Cola cost a nickel for over 70 years
  3. 66InflationYour Money in 20 YearsWhat today's savings will really buy later
  4. 67InflationWhat Causes InflationToo much money chasing too few goods, and other reasons
  5. 68InflationReal and NominalThe number you see and what it's really worth
  6. 69Central BanksZero Inflation Is the GoalThe Fed aims for about 2% on purpose
  7. 71The EconomyGDP: The Size of the PieEverything a country makes in a year, in one number
  8. 72CurrenciesThe Big Mac IndexA burger that compares the world's currencies