What did the Young Plan of 1929 aim to achieve?

The Young Plan, introduced in 1929, primarily aimed to ease the reparations that Germany was required to pay following World War I, as stipulated by the Treaty of Versailles. This plan was a response to the economic difficulties Germany faced in meeting the heavy financial burdens imposed by the Treaty, which many viewed as excessively punitive and detrimental to Germany's stability and overall recovery.

The Young Plan proposed to reduce the total reparations amount and allowed for a longer repayment period. This adjustment was intended to improve Germany's economic situation, stabilizing the country and fostering a climate of cooperation in Europe. By alleviating the financial strain on Germany, the plan sought to create more favorable conditions for the country to recover economically and politically, thereby contributing to European stability in the interwar period.

This focus on reparations distinguishes the Young Plan from initiatives aimed at military alliances, collective security, or disarmament, which were not the primary goals of the plan.