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Economic life
The War and the occupation disrupted economic activity. Men were mobilised and were unable to return to enemy-held territory. The occupied zone was cut off from the rest of the country. Normal economic channels were interrupted. In order to keep business activity going, municipalities were empowered to issue communal vouchers or Notgeld (German for "necessity money") which was used as the local currency.
In addition to this, the German army was confronted with resupply difficulties caused by the blockade of Germany. It resorted to requisitioning materials and foodstuffs. Machinery was dismantled and sent to Germany. The occupied zone was pillaged.