The document discusses the hyperinflation experienced in Germany after World War 1. It began when Germany decided to fund the war entirely through borrowing rather than taxes. This put Germany deeply in debt to other countries. After losing the war, Germany was required to pay heavy reparations which it could not afford. This caused the value of the German mark to plummet rapidly as the government printed more currency. Eventually the mark was worth almost nothing and people's lifetime savings could only buy a cup of coffee. This hyperinflation devastated the country and contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler.