Final answer:
Germany prior to the revolutions faced economic problems such as war reparations and hyperinflation. These problems had social consequences including poverty and unemployment, which contributed to the rise of extremist ideologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic and social problems of Germany prior to the revolutions were significant. One major economic problem was the burden of war reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Germany had to make payments in gold, coal, and timber to the Allies, which put a strain on its resources. Additionally, Germany faced hyperinflation, where the value of its currency, the Mark, collapsed due to excessive money printing.
These economic issues had severe social consequences. Workers were paid in huge amounts of cash due to the rapid inflation, leading to a steep rise in prices. Many people experienced poverty, unemployment, and hunger. The economic turmoil created an environment of social unrest, making the German population more susceptible to extremist ideologies such as the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party.