What challenge did the Weimar government face in relation to the Ruhr occupation?

The challenge that the Weimar government faced in relation to the Ruhr occupation was primarily its limited capability to respond effectively. After World War I, Germany was struggling with economic instability, hyperinflation, and significant political unrest. When France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr Valley in 1923 to enforce reparations payments due to Germany’s inability to comply, the Weimar government found itself in a precarious situation.

The occupation of the Ruhr, a crucial industrial area, exacerbated the already dire economic circumstances. The government attempted to encourage passive resistance among the workers in the Ruhr, which further crippled the economy because the region was key for coal and steel production. However, this response was not effective in the long run, and the government's authority diminished as a result. With the economic crisis deepening, the government lacked the resources and public backing to handle the occupation decisively, highlighting its limited capability to stabilize the situation.

In contrast, high levels of public support would have empowered the government to take more robust actions, and effective negotiation with France could have led to a more favorable resolution. A strong military presence in the region could have deterred occupation but was not a practical option at that time, given Germany's military restrictions under the Treaty of Versailles. Therefore